VMLY&R Expands into Detroit to Support Rapid Growth

VMLY&R is expanding its global brand and customer experience operations with the opening of a new office in downtown Detroit.

The office is located at 601 W. Fort St. in a historic business district. Built in 1910, the building was designed as a printing house by noted Detroit architects Spier, Rohns & Gehrke. The VMLY&R Detroit team is committed to the creative revitalisation of Detroit and has preserved historical elements in the current space while creating a contemporary, collaborative work environment where human-centred strategic design can thrive.

The team will be operating from this location until moving into the WPP Detroit Campus in the refurbished Marquette Building just a few blocks away upon its completion in late 2020.

The Detroit office is working to bring the team’s deep expertise and talent to VMLY&R’s long-standing partner Ford, designing and building Ford brand, customer, and retail experiences. In addition, the office will serve as VMLY&R’s global lead on Ford strategy, innovation work and integration with other WPP partners.

VMLY&R Detroit includes a team located in Kalamazoo that works with diversified client partners, including General Dynamics Mission Systems, Walmart and Bell’s Brewery, Inc., as well as Ford. Recently, the team earned new client Hunter Engineering Company, Inc.

Currently the VMLY&R Detroit team stands at 140 employees, and that number is growing.

Tim Reisen, VMLY&R Detroit CEO, leads the team with support from Patrick Stajich, executive director, Ford; Rebecca Rooy, managing director, diversified clients; Eric Looney, executive director, experience design; and Melissa Green, managing director, solutions delivery. Looney and Green are relocating to Detroit from Kansas City, Missouri.

“I couldn’t be more pleased about opening our doors in Detroit, a city rich in culture, grit and optimism that’s poised to transform mobility,” Reisen said. “This new location enables us to bring together diverse talent and skillsets to deepen the value we provide to our client partners, as well as build new relationships and opportunities.”

Scott joins the team from Google as executive director, design, working with Ford and diversified client partners. Lange brings a wealth of experience that complements VMLY&R’s customer experience and wider digital capabilities.

Additionally, Luana Floccuzio joins the team as executive director, global business strategy and advisory. Recently with GTB, she brings extensive expertise in business and brand transformation and will be a catalyst in driving Ford business strategy and global integration, as well as supporting other clients across VMLY&R in an advisory role.

“We’ve brought together an incredible group of multi-disciplined, talented VMLY&R team members, along with new Detroit and worldwide talent, creating a balance of insight and experience needed to hit the ground running here,” said VMLY&R global CEO Jon Cook. “Solidifying our Detroit footprint enables us to further integrate with our incredible client partners. It is the ideal location to enhance our rapidly growing global brand and customer experience practice.”