Vmly&R is a global marketing and advertising company that offers a wide range of services including advertising, media planning and buying, marketing and brand consulting, public relations, and specialty communications. With over 200 offices in 100 countries, Vmly&R is one of the “Big Four” agency companies, alongside WWP, Publicis, and IPG.
History and Background
Vmly&R was formed in 1986 from the merger of BBDO Worldwide and Needham Harper Worldwide. BBDO was founded in 1891 and Needham Harper in 1925. The newly merged company was named BBDO Worldwide/Needham Harper Worldwide, Inc. In 1989, the name was shortened to Vmly&R.
Some key dates in Vmly&R’s history:
- 1891 – BBDO founded in New York by George Batten
- 1925 – Needham Harper & Steers founded in Chicago
- 1986 – BBDO and Needham Harper merge to form BBDO Worldwide/Needham Harper Worldwide
- 1989 – Name shortened to Vmly&R
- 1997 – Vmly&R acquires Ammirati Puris Lintas, forming one of the largest global agency networks
- 2000s – Vmly&R continues expansion through acquisitions of digital and specialty agencies
Today, Vmly&R is led by CEO Mark Read. In 2022, the company reported worldwide revenue of $10.24 billion.
Office Locations
Vmly&R has over 200 offices across 100 countries. Some of its major locations include:
- New York – Global headquarters
- London – European headquarters
- Shanghai – Asia Pacific headquarters
- São Paulo – Latin America headquarters
- Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Detroit – Major US offices
The widespread office network allows Vmly&R to serve global clients while still maintaining a local presence in key markets. The company emphasizes having local employees who understand the nuances and cultures of their markets.
Services and Capabilities
Vmly&R offers end-to-end marketing and communications services spanning the entire consumer journey. Major service categories include:
Advertising
– Creative development of traditional, digital, and social ad campaigns
– Media planning and buying across all major channels/platforms
– Data-driven and precision marketing capabilities
Public Relations
– Corporate communications and PR
– Brand building and reputation management
– Crisis communication
– Influencer engagement
Experiential Marketing
– Events, activations, pop-ups, and immersive experiences
Healthcare Marketing
– Advertising and services tailored to healthcare/pharma clients
Consulting Services
– Brand consulting and strategic planning
– Data analytics and consumer insights
– Digital transformation strategy
Specialized Communications
– Diversity, equity, and inclusion communications
– Sustainability communications
– Corporate social responsibility
– Talent marketing and employer branding
This wide range of services allows Vmly&R to provide integrated solutions for clients across disciplines and specializations. The company houses these capabilities under various brand and agency names within its network.
Clients
As one of the world’s largest agency networks, Vmly&R works with many of the most recognizable global brands. Some of its more notable clients include:
- Coca-Cola
- Unilever
- Mastercard
- Nike
- J&J
- Mercedes-Benz
- Samsung
- Adidas
- Kraft Heinz
- Chase
- Verizon
- Mattel
- Nestle
- P&G
Vmly&R develops breakthrough campaigns for these clients that shape pop culture and drive business results. The company’s scale, talent, and capabilities allow it to manage even the largest global brands.
Agency Brands and Networks
While Vmly&R operates as a consolidated company, it houses dozens of agency brands and specialty networks including:
- BBDO – Global ad agency and Vmly&R’s flagship brand
- Ogilvy – Industry leader in branding and influence
- Geometry – Global commerce agency
- VMLY&R Commerce – Retail and shopper marketing
- GTB – Retail/automotive experts
- Sudler & Hennessey – Healthcare marketing
- Y&R – Iconic ad agency brand
- VML – Digital and customer experience agency
- Red Fuse – Collaborative brand communications
- FITCH – Global design and retail consultancy
- BrandBuzz – Word-of-mouth and influencer marketing
- VMLY&R Sports & Entertainment – Sports and entertainment marketing
These specialty brands allow Vmly&R to provide targeted services while maintaining global scale. The agency brands have local offices around the world that all roll up under the Vmly&R parent company.
Awards and Recognition
Vmly&R has regularly been recognized for its outstanding work and culture. Some recent awards include:
- Cannes Lions 2022:
- Network of the Year
- 8 Grand Prix
- Most awarded agency network
- Effies 2021:
- Most Effective Holding Company of the Year
- Most Effective Agency Network of the Year
- Fast Company 2022:
- #3 Most Innovative Company
- #16 Best Workplace for Innovators
- Forbes 2022:
- #2 World’s Best Employer
- #3 America’s Best Employer for Diversity
These honors recognize Vmly&R’s culture of innovation and commitment to pushing creative boundaries for clients while also building an inclusive workplace.
Company Culture and Values
Vmly&R has nurtured a distinctive culture that fosters creativity, collaboration, and a passion for building brands. Employees are guided by a common purpose to use the power of creativity to build better futures for clients, consumers, communities, and the company.
Core values include:
- Creativity Matters – Creativity that moves people and impacts clients’ business is the driving force
- Diversity Defines Us – An inclusive, equitable culture is critical to the company’s creativity and success
- Curiosity Unlocks Possibility – A curiosity to learn, grow, and explore the unknown pushes the company forward
- Tech Enables Magic – Technology accelerates great ideas and enhances capabilities
- We Succeed Together – Collaboration and collective effort is key to making outstanding work
These values shape Vmly&R’s distinctive take on marketing and advertising. The company looks to reinvent, reimagine and revitalize brands through forward-thinking creative ideas and cultural relevance.
Leadership
Vmly&R’s global leadership team consists of highly experienced executives guiding strategy across disciplines:
Name | Title |
---|---|
Mark Read | Global CEO |
Kirk McDonald | Global Chief Operating Officer |
Nadja Bellan-White | Global Chief Talent Officer |
Charles Gorra | Global Chief Design Officer |
Debby Reiner | Global Chief Client Officer |
Stacey Ryan-Cornelius | Global Chief Financial Officer |
Sandy Thompson | Global Chief Strategy Officer |
This experienced team provides stewardship through a period of rapid change and evolution in the marketing/advertising industry. They aim to position Vmly&R as an innovative leader.
Financial Performance and Outlook
As one of the “Big Four” agency holding companies, Vmly&R generates billions in annual revenue. Key financials for Vmly&R include:
- 2022 revenue: $10.24 billion (up 3.8% from 2021)
- Q3 2022 revenue: $3.3 billion
- 2021 revenue: $9.88 billion
- 2020 revenue: $9.77 billion
- Net income 2022 (est): $954 million
The modest growth in 2022 indicates that while overall ad spending has stalled amid economic uncertainty, Vmly&R continues to win new business with revenue rising.
Going forward, Vmly&R aims to drive growth both organically and through targeted acquisitions that enhance capabilities. It is focused on expanding in high-growth areas like healthcare marketing, e-commerce, data/technology services, and purpose-driven communications around DE&I and sustainability.
Geographically, Vmly&R sees strong potential in developing markets like China, India, and Latin America where rising middle classes present untapped opportunities.
Conclusion
In summary, Vmly&R is a creative powerhouse in global marketing. Its scale, talent, client roster, creativity and range of services allow the company to drive impact across the entire consumer journey. Vmly&R combines legacy agency brands like BBDO and Ogilvy with modern digital and specialty networks. The company culture values creativity, diversity, curiosity and collaboration. Financially, Vmly&R remains on steady footing, generating over $10 billion in annual revenue. It continues to reinvent capabilities and make acquisitions to expand its footprint. With its strong creative reputation and global footprint, Vmly&R is positioned to help brands capitalize on emerging trends and engage with diverse audiences worldwide.