VMLY&R Bolsters Global Agency Leadership for Coca-Cola Company Business

VMLY&R announced today the appointment of two executive roles for The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) business: Stephanie DeCelles is promoted to global client lead, and Chase Cornett is named global chief strategy officer. In their new roles, Stephanie and Chase will join OpenX from WPP, the bespoke agency created to service the Coca-Cola company after being named its Global Marketing Network Partner in November 2021. Stephanie and Chase will be part of the integrated OpenX leadership team, which spans creative, media, social, data, tech, PR, and commerce services. They will partner closely with Rafael Pitanguy, creative lead for TCCC at VMLY&R.

“Stephanie and Chase are a powerhouse duo known for bringing strategic focus, collaborative spirit, and proven passion for breakthrough and innovative work for clients. Their depth of understanding when it comes to client needs is clear when you look at their record of delivering growth for global brands. They are an unbeatable choice to lead across our partnership with The Coca-Cola Company and wider WPP OpenX team,” said global CEO Jon Cook.

Stephanie DeCelles has been promoted to global client lead for VMLY&R on the Coca-Cola Company business. She previously served as executive director of VMLY&R Kansas City, one of the flagship global offices in the network. In this role she was responsible for growth, culture and key client relationships across the office. She will continue to be based in Kansas City and report to Eric Campbell, global president, VMLY&R.

Since joining VMLY&R in 2012, Stephanie’s work has been recognized by Cannes, the One Show, Effie and CLIO awards. With nearly 20 years’ experience, she has led both national and global brands including Intel, Gatorade, Red Bull, Danone, Walmart & Bumble. Under her leadership, VMLY&R continues to expand through new divisions and capabilities, with high-profile brands for which the agency has won several industry awards. 

“I feel honoured and incredibly humbled to take on this new role for VMLY&R within the broader OpenX team. t’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to champion industry-shaping ideas that drive business for The Coca-Cola Company alongside a team of incredibly talented people,” said Stephanie.

Chase Cornett has been named global chief strategy officer at VMLY&R for the Coca-Cola Company. The appointment is the first major move from Andrea (Ring) Grodberg who joined VMLY&R last month as global chief strategy officer. Chase will continue to be based in Kansas City.

His previous brand experience includes Gatorade, Tropicana, Red Bull, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Disney Stores, and Toyota with work globally recognised at Cannes, the One Show, Effie, and CLIO awards.

Prior to taking the helm of the global Coca-Cola business, Chase successfully led the pitch and then global strategy for Team Intel — rebranding this iconic tech giant for only the second time in history. He also served as head of strategy for VMLY&R’s Kansas City office where he was responsible for driving our strategic point of view and growing and building a world-class team of brand, experience, and creative strategists. Chase joined VMLY&R in 2017 from FCB Chicago, where he served as senior vice president and strategic planning director.

Commenting on the role, Chase said, “When you think about The Coca-Cola Company and its portfolio, you’re looking at some of the world’s most iconic brands. To help them innovate and create outstanding brand experiences is a career-defining opportunity, and I’m thrilled to take on this role.”