Richard Williams, a seasoned advertising professional with a 25-year career, has been appointed as the new Group Executive Creative Director for VML's Melbourne and Sydney offices. Williams will assume his new role in September 2024, leading a creative department of over 30 creatives across both cities. He succeeds Jake Barrow, who has been promoted to the role of Chief Creative Officer at VML Czech Republic.

Williams has spent a significant portion of his career at Clemenger BBDO, where he led major accounts including NAB, TAC, CUB, BMW, MINI, and TABTouch. During his tenure, the agency received significant acclaim, including being named Campaign Brief and Mumbrella Creative Agency of the Decade in 2020 and Cannes and D&AD Agency of the Year in 2017.

"I am delighted to be joining VML later this year. I’ve been waiting a long time for the right opportunity to arrive…" Williams commented. "The creative ambition of the agency, the strong and talented leadership, and its technical proficiency made the decision very easy for me. The creative legacy of George Patterson, Young & Rubicam and JWT is so significant in this country, and I feel privileged to help write the next chapter."

Paul Nagy, VML APAC Chief Creative Officer, expressed his excitement about Williams' appointment. "If I were to list my favourite advertising ideas to ever come out of Australia… Rich has probably done about four of them. Even my Dad was impressed when I showed him his work and believe me when I tell you – that never happens. Rich is super talented, really focused on what he wants to achieve, a genuine leader and a lovely human being…we are so lucky to have him and I can’t wait for him to get started."

Sarah Bailey, VML Melbourne and Sydney Managing Director, also spoke highly of Williams. "Rich comes highly awarded and highly regarded. When we did our due diligence on Rich, the word quality was mentioned a lot, as was the word talented, and when we met him, it was clear that the rumours were true. These characteristics are very important to me and the team at VML so we’re all really excited Rich is joining us to build on the incredible creative spirit Jake has cultivated over the past thirteen years."

Williams' internationally awarded work includes Carlton Draught’s 'Slow Mo' and 'Beer Chase' and Bonds’ 'The Boys'.