Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT ARE WE ANNOUNCING TODAY?
We're excited to announce the unification of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R, creating VML, the world's largest creative company. VML brings together two highly acclaimed creative agencies, each renowned for their exceptional commerce and customer experience practices. With more than 30,000 employees across 64-plus markets worldwide, VML is poised to deliver unparalleled creative solutions on a global scale.
WHY ARE VMLY&R AND WUNDERMAN THOMPSON COMING TOGETHER?
Bringing together our companies will allow us to combine complementary capabilities and geographic strengths, providing our clients with a fully integrated offering across brand experience, customer experience and commerce practices — powered by deep data, marketing technology and platform experience.
The future of building strong brands requires connectivity between our three core practices, firmly positioning VML between consultancies and agencies in the competitive market.
Together we have long-standing partnerships with clients including Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, and The Coca-Cola Company and more, and now we have the exciting opportunity to bring our expansive capabilities and incredible talent even closer to our client partners.
WHY ARE WE LEVERAGING THE BRAND VML?
We carefully chose a brand name that enables us to quickly establish a presence in the market, while also being recognizable and simple. Our new brand, VML, embodies more than 350 years of world-class advertising expertise alongside superb customer experience and commerce capabilities, built from agencies which have been operating since 1864 (J. Walter Thompson), 1923 (Y&R), 1958 (Wunderman) and 1992 (VML).
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR WUNDERMAN THOMPSON AND VMLY&R BRANDS?
Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R will begin the process of rebranding as VML, operating as one connected, creative company. As we embark on this exciting journey, we'll work closely with our talented team members around the world to determine how we will fully unite our companies. Collaboration will be key to our success and together we will create a truly amazing new agency.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR SUB-BRANDS WITHIN WUNDERMAN THOMPSON AND VMLY&R?
We will continue to have sub brands within VML as we move forward. However, we will be taking a closer look at areas where we can simplify our branding worldwide. More details will be provided in 2024 as we progress the integration process.
WHEN WILL REBRANDING BEGIN?
Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R will begin the process of rebranding as VML during Q4, and will be operational on January 1, 2024.
Updating our email addresses will be one of the first important brand changes. The change to @vml.com extensions will happen by the end of the year for all employees who currently have a wundermanthompson.com or vmlyr.com email addresses. Certain brands who have distinct email addresses will be simplified to vml.com (e.g. @vmlcommerce emails will simplify to @vml.com). We're carefully planning this changeover to ensure a smooth transition without any interruptions to our daily activities.
WHEN WILL CHANGES BEGIN? AND HOW LONG WILL THEY TAKE?
We're excited to begin our unification today, however we will take the time we need to properly create a new company together. Throughout the remainder of the year, we'll prioritize the areas of unification which will have the greatest benefit for our employees and our client partners. We'll give updates regularly on our progress as we move into 2024.
WILL THE VMLY&R CORE VALUES AND THE WUNDERMAN THOMPSON BEHAVIORS CHANGE?
At the heart of both VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, there exists a dedication to our employees, an unwavering commitment to our clients, an undying spark of creativity, and an aspiration to inspire everyone in our reach. The strength of our combined spirit is evident.
We are crafting an interim set of guiding principles to steer us through the initial phases of our merger and integration. We will communicate more about these principles in the near term.
HOW IS THE VML LEADERSHIP TEAM STRUCTURED?
We will be defining our full organizational structure as we come together over the coming months and prepare to be fully operational on Jan. 1, 2024. We're taking the time to make thoughtful decisions as we move forward. We are diligently designing our organizational structure, aiming for seamless functionality by Jan. 1, 2024. Our people teams are working through the approach to ensure that every decision is taken with utmost care and thoughtfulness to ensure forward momentum.
Below you will find an initial list of our leadership who are already working together on global integration initiatives.
- Global CEO: Jon Cook
- Global President: Mel Edwards
WHEN WILL THE ORGANIZATION'S STRUCTURE BE FINALIZED?
Given this is a merger of significant scale, the company's organizational structure will take some time to finalize. We want to ensure that the process is done thoroughly and accurately, so we kindly ask for your patience during this transition period. Rest assured, we are committed to getting it right.
WHAT SHOULD WE TELL OUR CLIENTS?
We are excited to share this news and we hope you are too. Please feel free to share the press release with your clients, which can be found at vml.com and connected.vml.com. If your clients have any questions or concerns about how this integration will impact their business, your leadership team will be more than happy to address them and provide the necessary support.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MY SPECIFIC OFFICE?
We're committed to working closely with each office as we navigate our unification throughout the remainder of 2023. By early 2024, we'll have a clear plan for the next steps in each country and office. Our goal is to integrate and locate our teams together swiftly, fostering strong collaboration, culture, and community presence.
DO YOU ANTICIPATE CLOSING OFFICES?
As we evaluate all aspects of our operations, including our geographic landscape, our approach is comprehensive and deliberate. We strive for thriving offices with vibrant cultures that serve our clients effectively and drive our growth and success. Every decision, especially those concerning our office locations, is made with thoughtfulness, prioritizing the well-being of our clients, our team, and the overarching goals of our company.
WILL WE NEED TO MOVE OFFICES?
We're excited to bring the organizations together in all markets and create a unified work environment. Our goal is to have VML located within a WPP campus where appropriate. Please keep in mind that this process will take time, and any changes to work locations will be communicated transparently to everyone impacted.
I AM A REMOTE EMPLOYEE. DOES THIS MEAN I AM GOING TO BE REQUIRED TO GO INTO AN OFFICE?
Pre-approved contractual remote working arrangements will continue to be honored, just as they were before the merger.
WILL THE HYBRID WORK POLICY CHANGE?
Both VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson have had a consistent policy requiring employees living within a commutable distance of an office to be in the office three days per week. As we move forward with VML, this policy will continue. This approach is central to fostering collaboration, teamwork, and ensuring a smooth integration. Any deviations from this policy require prior approval. For any questions specific to your situation, please speak with your people team.
WILL MY JOB, TITLE AND/OR RESPONSIBILITIES CHANGE?
It is possible that your current role, responsibilities, and title will change as we are bringing our agencies together and these are conversations we will work together on. There is inevitably change which comes with unifications such as these, but we see this as a great opportunity for our people, organizations, and clients. We will follow all legally required information and consultation next steps in those markets where this is applicable to ensure the involvement of representatives from our teams in the decision-making process.
WILL MY EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT CHANGE?
Eventually, as we determine the legal operating structures in each market there will be changes to the employment entity. We will work with you directly when we have the detailed information on this workstream.
WILL MY REPORTING LINE/MANAGER CHANGE?
As we embark on this journey together, there may be some adjustments to reporting lines. Any changes will be communicated to individuals in a transparent and supportive manner. We will follow all legally required information and consultation steps in those markets where this is applicable to ensure the involvement of representatives from our teams in the decision-marketing process.
WILL THERE BE LAYOFFS AND/OR REDUNDANCIES?
As Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R unite to form VML, our aim is to amplify opportunities for both our clients and our team members. We deeply value the dedication and contributions of every individual within our companies. With this in mind, we are dedicated to working closely with employees who may be impacted to find roles and opportunities that align with their skills and the evolving needs of the organization. Collaboratively, employees from both Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R will play an essential role in navigating the intricacies of this merger. Navigating this transition with care and intention is our top priority. We commit to keeping you updated and being as transparent as possible as we move forward together.
IF THERE ARE CHANGES TO MY CURRENT ROLE, WILL I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY FOR OTHER OPEN ROLES WITHIN VML AND WPP?
At VML, we champion the value of mobility and professional growth. Being part of the WPP network opens up various pathways across a variety of areas. While we always strive to match team members with opportunities that align with their expertise and aspirations, the availability of roles may vary. Rest assured, your manager and our dedicated people teams are committed to supporting you as you explore the broader landscape within both VML and WPP.
WILL PAYROLL AND BENEFITS BE IMPACTED?
Harmonization of benefits and payroll will be reviewed over the course of the coming months and communicated in a timely manner. We do not anticipate any changes in 2023. For those in the US, benefits open enrollment is underway and will continue as planned within Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R.
WILL I NEED TO CHANGE MY COMPUTER AND/OR PHONE?
No, you won't need to change your computer or phone at this time.
I HAVE A NEW HIRE, WITH AN ACCEPTED OFFER, SIGNED CONTRACT AND/OR EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, JOINING. WILL THEY STILL BE ALLOWED TO JOIN?
Yes. Please reach out to your regional people team for any questions or assistance regarding the joining process.
WILL THERE BE ANY CHANGES TO THE NOVEMBER PROMOTION AND MERIT PROCESS?
The November promotion and merit process will be managed by your current respective companies to ensure a smooth transition.
WILL I HAVE THE SAME TIME-OFF POLICY?
As we unite our companies, we're diligently examining all people policies across countries. We understand the importance of these policies to our employees. While our main objective is to achieve consistency, we're also exploring opportunities to integrate unique benefits from both companies into our shared future. Any changes will be communicated transparently and well in advance.
WILL THE BANK/FEDERAL HOLIDAY SCHEDULE CHANGE?
For 2023, you can expect the bank/federal holiday schedule to remain unchanged. As we continue our integration journey, our People team will thoughtfully assess the 2024 schedule. Should there be any significant changes, you will be informed at the earliest, honoring our commitment to transparency.
WILL MY TIME OFF/PTO ALLOWANCE CHANGE?
As we navigate our integration, we're closely reviewing time off allowances with the goal of creating a cohesive policy. Beyond just harmonization, we're also identifying opportunities to adopt standout benefits from each company where possible. We're committed to keeping you informed, sharing any updates clearly and promptly.
WHO DO I CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS?
For any questions you may have, we encourage you to reach out to your local People Team representative. They will be able to provide you with the most accurate and relevant information based on your location.