VML has announced that Mel Edwards, its global president, will retire in late spring 2026, concluding a career spanning more than 30 years in advertising and marketing. Edwards’ tenure included 13 years of leadership across WPP, Wunderman, Wunderman Thompson, and VML, during which she played a central role in shaping the agency’s growth, culture, and service offerings.
Most recently, Edwards oversaw the integration of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R to form the current VML network, driving a connected culture and building strong client relationships. Under her guidance, the agency has become recognized for both award-winning creative work and robust technological expertise.
Jon Cook, global CEO of VML, praised her leadership, saying, “Mel has been a phenomenal leader, partner, and friend, helping to shape VML’s global network over the last two years. Her strategic vision, energy, and authentic leadership have touched so many people around the world.”
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Reflecting on her retirement, Edwards said, “My decision to retire next year has given me time to reflect on the incredible journey I’ve had. One filled with inspiring colleagues, clients, and friends from every corner of the world. I am proud of the connected culture and expansive offerings that Jon and I have recently built together at VML. Personally, I’m looking forward to travelling with my family and enjoying more hours of free time.”
A noted advocate for inclusion in the advertising industry, Edwards has been repeatedly recognised on the Heroes Executives Role Model list and has championed programs including the Magpie mentoring initiative, WISE empowerment program, and the LÍDERAS leadership program across Latin America.
Cindy Rose, CEO of WPP, added, “On behalf of WPP, I want to thank Mel for her leadership, loyalty, and passion over the last 13 years. Her influence and impact have shaped how we partner with our clients every day, and her legacy will be felt well into the future. We wish her an amazing next chapter when it begins in 2026.”
Edwards’ retirement comes amid significant changes at WPP this year, including CEO Mark Read stepping down and handing the reins to Cindy Rose. The network also rebranded GroupM as WPP Media, a fully integrated, AI-powered media company designed for the next wave of marketing.
In May, WPP shifted creative agency Grey under Ogilvy, moving it from the AKQA group to strengthen collaboration and unlock growth across the network. WPP Media also restructured its organisation in the Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) region, dividing operations into six sub-regions: Australia and New Zealand led by Aimee Buchanan; China by Rupert McPetrie; India and Sri Lanka by Prasanth Kumar; MENA by Amer El Hajj; Northeast Asia (Japan, Korea, Hong Kong) by Michael Beecroft; and SEAPAT (Southeast Asia, Pakistan, South Africa, Taiwan) by Helen McRae.
Not long after, WPP announced that COO Andrew Scott would retire and step down from the board at the end of 2025, concluding nearly three decades with the network. Two months ago, Rose appointed Devika Bulchandani, who has led Ogilvy since 2021, as WPP’s new COO, alongside Laurent Ezekiel, formerly head of WPP Open X for The Coca-Cola Company, as global CEO of Ogilvy Group.
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