Steve Emmens Named Head of Production at VML Canada

Steve Emmens, one of the most talented and reputable advertising production executives in Canada, has joined VML Canada from TBWA Group, where he served as managing director, integrated production for eight years. Attracted by the exciting prospects offered by the newly unified VML and the chance to reunite with his TBWA team member, Graham Lang, Steve will also feel at home with TAXI alums from his time at the agency from 2011-2019.

As the new senior vice president, national head of production, Steve is charged with elevating VML’s production capabilities across the agency’s Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver offices.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be returning to VML at such a pivotal moment. The merger of TAXI and Wunderman Thompson into VML has created a powerhouse agency celebrated for creativity, technology, and diverse perspectives that make a positive impact on our communities. I’m genuinely excited to lead this production team, and I'm deeply committed to delivering exceptional work for our clients. My primary goal is to streamline our production processes while maintaining our high standards of quality, value, efficiency, and brining a little magic to everything we do,” said Steve Emmens, SVP, head of national production at VML Canada. “This role gives me a chance to collaborate with our incredibly talented team of creators, shapers, and makers. Together, we'll continue to build VML's global reputation for creativity, excellence, and industry leadership."

“Steve is a wonderful human, great leader and has a wealth of industry knowledge. He is the ultimate creative partner when it comes to production and his ability to problem solve while always elevating the craft is absolutely legendary,” said Graham Lang, chief creative officer, VML Canada.  

Steve has worked with some of the most storied agencies in Canada throughout his 30-year career, including DDB, Juniper Park\TBWA, Crispin Porter + Bogusky and Leo Burnett. He also spent time earlier in his career as a freelance producer working with Cossette, FCB and BBDO, to name a few. Ironically, he started his career in advertising at the legendary JWT, now known as VML.  

For nearly eight years, Steve has served on the ACTRA and Canadian Federation of Musicians, National Negotiating Committee for the ICA - Institute of Communication Agencies.

Steve has been credited on countless creative campaigns throughout his career and one of his proudest achievements is winning a Glass Cannes Lion for the Canadian Women's Foundation 'Signal For Help' campaign, which was one of only eight awarded by the Glass Lions jury in 2022 and earned a Gold in the category dedicated to combating inequality and prejudice.