According to the agency, Tearle and Bradbury will work together over the coming weeks to ensure continuity for staff and clients during the transition period.

During Tearle’s tenure, VML ANZ recorded a period of growth and creative recognition. The agency’s Australian operation ranked first in Campaign Brief’s The Work for three consecutive years and delivered award-winning campaigns, including FitChix. It also co-developed technology-led products such as Rip Curl Search GPS 2.0.

“Working with the VML ANZ team fills me with immense pride and gratitude,” said Tom Tearle. “We’ve achieved remarkable things together, building an agency renowned for its creativity, innovation, and an incredible team culture. Witnessing our collective drive and success has been rewarding, and I am proud of the business we’ve created. I have full confidence that Paul, with his vast experience and vision, will lead VML ANZ to even greater heights. I’m committed to ensuring a smooth and successful transition, knowing the future is bright for this team.”

Incoming CEO Paul Bradbury said he has followed the agency’s trajectory closely.

“I’ve watched VML ANZ’s impressive rise with admiration. Tom and the team have built a strong legacy of consistent success, culminating in an unprecedented run of Network of the Year titles. VML offers the scale, capability and ambition to continue to build something genuinely differentiated for clients and talent across Australia and New Zealand. I am also energised to be joining WPP – the incredible global new business momentum at the back end of last year is testament to the progressive leadership and future focused innovation across the company.”

Meanwhile, Yi Chung Tay, APAC CEO of VML, also commented on the leadership change.

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Tom for his contributions to VML ANZ. His impact has left the agency in a strong, growing position. As we embark on this next chapter, I am thrilled to welcome Paul Bradbury to the VML network. Paul’s proven track record, strategic vision, and deep industry experience make him the ideal leader to build on this success and drive VML ANZ forward. I am excited for the future under Paul’s leadership.”

Bradbury joins VML ANZ after a decade as president and CEO of TBWA Australia and New Zealand. During his tenure, TBWA expanded its client portfolio to include global brands such as Apple, Amazon, Kraft Heinz and Tourism New Zealand, as well as regional clients including Telstra, NAB, ANZ New Zealand and 2Degrees.

He was also involved in the formation of +61, a bespoke agency created for Telstra in partnership with Bear Meets Eagle on Fire and OMD, which won a Film Grand Prix and eight Lions at the 2025 Cannes Lions within 18 months of launch.

VML ANZ said Bradbury’s focus on emerging technologies, including generative AI, aligns with the agency’s broader innovation strategy.

The agency operates six offices across Australia and New Zealand, located in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Auckland and Wellington.

The post Paul Bradbury appointed CEO of VML ANZ following leadership transition appeared first on MARKETECH APAC.

Tay will oversee all agency brands in the region – which includes VMLY&R, VMLY&R Commerce, VMLY&Rx The Glitch based in India, ClickMedia based in Vietnam, and Dawson based in China, having previously worked closely alongside Lochan as co-CEO for Asia overlooking markets in Greater China. Previously, Tay was CEO of VMLY&R China which he developed from start-up im2.0 into one of China’s leading full-service digital marketing agencies.

Tay commented on his newly expanded role, saying, “I look forward to continuing to build on our success in Asia, by harnessing creativity, technology, culture and data to create innovative solutions for our clients and business partners. Lochan has set up some of our highest potential markets for success, and we are deeply grateful for her outstanding contribution.”

Meanwhile, Ramanathan’s responsibilities now include the role of chief executive officer of VMLY&R South and Southeast Asia and Japan, overseeing these markets for the group. Since joining VMLY&R in 2007, he has been instrumental in developing a strategy for Asia including transformational plans and processes for the markets. Ramanathan pioneered new strategic models and tools, created proprietary data assets including BAV and provided directional thought leadership.

Lastly, through her elevation, Lochan is tasked with identifying areas for capability growth and developing strengths globally. Lochan has been a part of the global leadership team of VMLY&R for ten years and will now partner with the team on capability expansion. Under her leadership in Asia, the network has undergone three global integrations – VML+Y&R, Geometry, GTB – with talent and billings doubling across Asia during Lochan’s tenure, creating one of the most established, full-service agencies in Asia.

Lochan shared her thoughts on the new role, saying, “I look forward to further expanding our capabilities globally, integrating offices and training leading to even greater levels of success. I’m proud of the culture of innovation and connectedness we have built together. It’s been inspiring to lead teams to success, building connected brands for our growing portfolio of clients. Importantly, I am excited for VMLY&R Asia’s future with Tay at the helm.”

Ramanathan will be reporting to Yi Chung Tay, CEO of VMLY&R Asia, alongside Kevin Zhu, CEO of VMLY&R China. Meanwhile, Lochan will report to Jon Cook, global chief executive officer, and will partner with Ronnie Felder, global chief people officer and Christine Nollen, executive director on leadership training and coaching worldwide.

Jon Cook, global chief executive officer VMLY&R, said that these strategic appointments are essential to VMLY&R’s connected growth plans for both Asia and our global operation.

“Tay, Ramanathan, and Zhu are phenomenally sharp marketers who believe in driving business momentum for our clients while ensuring we are creating a culture of belonging for our talented teams. Our Asia market is in great hands with their leadership. And I’m thrilled to expand Lochan’s remit by leveraging her acumen for capability-building and integration across our full global network. 2022 is proving to be an exciting year for the connected growth of VMLY&R,” Cook said.

Last January, VMLY&R in Thailand welcomed Anuwat Nitipanont as its newest chief creative officer.

The post VMLY&R unveils key senior leadership appointments for Asia appeared first on MARKETECH APAC.