VML creative director to head overseas for CCO role

May 22, 2024 8:26

VML’s current group executive creative director of Melbourne and Sydney will head overseas to take on a CCO role for the agency.

On Wednesday morning, VML announced that after 13 years working locally with the company, Jake Barrow will make the move to Prague in Czech Republic to lead an agency of 400 people.

First starting as an art director at what was then George PattersonY&R, Barrow took on the role of creative director in 2015, ECD in 2017 and eventually group ECD of Sydney and Melbourne in 2021.

The agency currently boasts a client list that includes Defence Force Recruiting, Ford, Coca-Cola, Colgate and Nestle.

“When I first walked through the doors 13 years ago, I just wanted to make good work,” Barrow said.

“Never would I have dreamed I’d become the creative leader of two offices and eventually transfer to the Prague office for a CCO role. It’s always been a goal of mine to work overseas, and Prague was on my radar because of the creative reputation of the office that Jaime Mandelbaum (CCO, VML EMEA) built when he was there as ECD. With the current global leadership, staying in the network was a no-brainer.

“I want to say thank you to Sarah Bailey, Thomas Tearle and all the people I’ve worked with, past and present, who have shared the same drive for creativity I have – you’re all what has made me stick around for so long. And an extra special shout out to Paul Nagy, who has always had my back and taught me loads – even if it did come with many questionable fishing stories.

“I’m now very much looking forward to working with CEO’s Iva Welker and Bronislav Kvasnicka and the rest of the talented team in Prague. It’s already an incredible agency and I can’t wait to be at its service.”

Iva Welker, CEO of VML Czech Republic, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Jake as our new Chief Creative Officer at VML Prague later this year. As the leading agency in the Czech Republic, we’ve built a strong reputation for delivering impactful creative work for both local and global clients. With Jake’s leadership and vision, we’re excited to push creative boundaries even further and make our position as a creative powerhouse stronger.”

Barrow will continue working on key clients, such as Defence Force Recruiting, Monash and Haleon and will relocate later in the year.

VML will announce a replacement for Barrow, shortly.