Executive Creative Director

Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

VML Canada is seeking an experienced, visionary Executive Creative Director to lead and inspire our dynamic creative team in Toronto. This role will have a significant impact on a major automotive brand, driving innovative and high-impact creative solutions that resonate with our clients and their customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Creative Vision: Set the creative direction for all campaigns and projects related to the automotive brand, ensuring alignment with the client’s goals and VML’s standards of excellence.
• Oversee Creative Teams: Manage a talented team of art directors, copywriters and designers, fostering collaboration and innovation across disciplines.
• Client Collaboration: Act as the senior creative liaison with the client, presenting ideas, pitching new concepts, and ensuring creative output aligns with their brand identity and objectives.
• Creative Strategy: Partner with account and strategy teams to shape integrated marketing and creative strategies that deliver measurable results.
• Quality Control: Maintain oversight of the creative process from concept through execution, ensuring the highest quality output that meets both agency and client expectations.
• Industry Leadership: Stay ahead of creative trends, tools, and emerging technologies to push the boundaries of what is possible within the automotive sector.
• Mentorship & Development: Foster an environment of growth and mentorship, helping develop the next generation of creative leaders.

Qualifications:

• Experience: 10+ years of creative leadership experience, with at least 2+ years in an CD or equivalent role, preferably with automotive brands.
• Portfolio: A strong portfolio demonstrating innovative and award-winning work in advertising, particularly with major brands.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead large, multi-disciplinary creative teams and successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Client Engagement: Strong client-facing experience, with a track record of building relationships and delivering creative strategies that meet business goals.
• Skills: Expertise in both digital and traditional media, with a deep understanding of integrated marketing, storytelling, and brand building.
• Passion: A deep passion for automotive brands and the ability to translate that into inspiring creative work that excites consumers.

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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