VML Makes Six Senior Level Appointments

VML has announced that six individuals have been promoted to senior-level management positions, reflecting the continuous capability evolution and momentum of VML’s growth.

Julia Hammond and Chris Furse have each been appointed to the role of North American executive director, focused on leading key global clients, expanding relationships with current clients and driving new business. Hammond and Furse both bring unmatched talent for building brands, solving complex marketing problems and growing their clients’ businesses.

Hammond will remain part of the VML Chicago leadership team in addition to her North American duties. With her appointment, she also takes on overall executive leadership duties as the first WPP client leader for Tyson Foods, leading WPP partners such as Ogilvy, Mindshare and Cavalry. Beyond North American new business efforts, Furse will continue his VML New York leadership role, heading the global New Balance and Miami Tourism accounts. Hammond and Furse report to VML President Eric Campbell.

Rosanne Johnson has been chosen as executive director, client engagement. Johnson rejoins VML after serving as the global digital lead for Red Fuse. In this role, her responsibilities will include leadership and development of the client engagement group as well as oversight of office operations in New York. Johnson will also focus on expansion of VML health clients, including the partnership with WPP Health & Wellness. Johnson will report to Chief Client Officer Chuck Searle.

Tomas Gonsorcik has been promoted to managing director, integrated strategy. Gonsorcik will be responsible for collaboration of the channel, planning, advisory and data & insights teams working to deliver integrated marketing strategy solutions for VML clients. He will work closely with Chief Strategy Officer Amy Winger and Executive Director of Channel Activation Amy Worley on innovating VML’s approach to transforming brands and creating new ways for clients to grow in the contemporary marketing environment. This newly established position is based in New York. Gonsorcik reports to Chief Innovation Officer Brian Yamada.

Jen McDonald has been promoted to executive director, client engagement. In this new role, McDonald is responsible for the client engagement function in Kansas City. In addition to growing and nurturing talent in Kansas City, she is actively engaged with several client relationships. During her eight years at VML, McDonald has partnered with some of the agency’s largest and most well-known brands to help bring their strategic marketing initiatives to life. She currently leads VML’s relationships with Wendy’s and NAPA AUTO PARTS. McDonald reports to Chief Client Officer Chuck Searle.

Jason Bass has been promoted to managing director, client engagement, in Kansas City. Bass has been with VML for more than eight years, leading clients such as H&R Block and Wendy’s. With his promotion, his focus will shift from the Wendy’s account to Electrolux, delivering key new product introductions for the Frigidaire brand and enabling consumer-first and data-centric work across the entire portfolio. Bass reports to Executive Director of Client Engagement Jen McDonald.

All of these VMLers provide high-level expertise and unique contributions to each respective office and overall VML culture.