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WPP merges Y&R and VML with Tripti Lochan and Yi Chung Tay named as co-CEOs of new entity in Asia

WPP has consolidated two of its biggest brands, creative agency Y&R and digital agency VML to create VMLY&R.

The merger comes just weeks after WPP appointed Mark Read as its new CEO and aims to position VMLY&R as a brand experience and brand advertising agency.

In Asia, VML Southeast Asia CEO Tripti Lochan and VML China CEO Yi Chung Tay have been named co-CEOs of VMLY&R Asia.

They will be based in Singapore and China respectively.

Mumbrella is seeking clarification of what it will mean for the Asia operations of Y&L, which is led in Asia by president Chris Foster who took over from Matthew Godfrey late last year

New Y&R Southeast Asia CEO Andrea Conyard

Y&R made a number of senior appointments as recently as July with Former Havas Creative Singapore CEO Andrea Conyard joining the agency this month as South East Asia chief executive officer and chief growth officer.

The agency claimed at the time it was transforming the business to “win the future”.

Yi Chung Tay: joint CEO of VMLY&R Asia

The global operation will be led by VML chief executive Jon Cook.

WPP boss Read said in a statement: “VMLY&R will be a powerful brand experience offering and a core agency brand for WPP. VML and Y&R have distinct and complementary strengths spanning creative, technology and data services that make them a perfect match.

“This is an important step as we build a new, simpler WPP that provides clients with a fully integrated offering and easy access to our wealth of talent and resources.”

Tripti Lochan will become co-CEO of the merger operation in Asia

The merger appears to sideline Y&R’s global CEO David Sable, who will become non-executive chairman and transition to an unspecified “new role” in WPP.

“I’m thrilled for the VMLY&R team as we start this journey together and harness the best of each agency to deliver culturally relevant world-class work,” Cook said. “The landscape of our industry is changing rapidly, and we are committed to being an invaluable partner to CMOs around the world. I look forward to leading this unprecedented unification of two exceptional agencies.”

An internal memo sent to Y&R staff said: “Today, we are two contemporary agencies with enviable reputations who have the ability to provide culturally relevant strategy, creativity and technologically advanced solutions to our clients.

“This is a natural time to align our organisations. The client benefits are clear. We will be able to deliver even more powerful and successful outcomes for our current and future clients.”

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