Paul Bradbury Becomes VML ANZ CEO, Replaces Tom Tearle

​Paul Bradbury has been appointed VML Australia and New Zealand CEO, replacing Tom Tearle.

Paul takes the reigns today, six months after he resigned as TBWA\AUNZ's CEO and president, ending a two-decade run at the agency. Incoming CEO of WPP stablemate Ogilvy, Kirsty Muddle, starts next month. 

“I've watched VML ANZ's impressive rise with admiration. Tom and the team have built a strong legacy of consistent success, culminating in an unprecedented run of Network of the Year titles," Paul said.

"VML offers the scale, capability, and ambition to continue to build something genuinely differentiated for clients and talent across Australia and New Zealand.

"I am also energised to be joining WPP -- the incredible global new business momentum at the back end of last year is testament to the progressive leadership and future focused innovation across the company.”

Tom has led VML locally for almost five years, stepping into the job in 2021 to replace Jon Bird, who became executive chair. He said his time in the role has filled "me with immense pride and gratitude."

"We’ve achieved remarkable things together, building an agency renowned for its creativity, innovation, and an incredible team culture," Tom added.

"Witnessing our collective drive and success has been rewarding, and I am proud of the business we've created. I have full confidence that Paul, with his vast experience and vision, will lead VML ANZ to even greater heights. I'm committed to ensuring a smooth and successful transition, knowing the future is bright for this team.”

Paul led TBWA across the region for a decade: half of his tenure at the Omnicom agency. Under his leadership, the agency worked with the likes of Apple, Amazon, Kraft Heinz, Tourism New Zealand, Telstra, NAB, ANZ, and 2Degrees. 

In May last year, Paul told LBB the business had grown revenue by 30% after spending two years becoming a new business powerhouse, transforming its pricing practices, investing almost half its payroll in strategic and creative talent, and embracing bespoke models, like Telstra's +61. 

In November, TBWA wrestled the highly-coveted Defence Force Recruiting account away from VML. 

Paul takes over VML's six local offices -- Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Brisbane, Perth, and Wellington -- effective immediately. Tom will stay on for a number of weeks to ensure a seamless transition for the agency, its people, and its clients.

Yi Chung Tay, APAC CEO of VML, said, “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Tom for his contributions to VML ANZ. His impact has left the agency in a strong, growing position.

"As we embark on this next chapter, I am thrilled to welcome Paul Bradbury to the VML network. Paul's proven track record, strategic vision, and deep industry experience make him the ideal leader to build on this success and drive VML ANZ forward. I am excited for the future under Paul's leadership.”

Since Paul's departure, Omnicom globally completed its acquisition of IPG and retired the DDB, FCB, and MullenLowe brands. Locally, TBWA remains so-far unaffected; Omnicom Oceania CEO Nick Garrett rolled DDB Australia into Clemenger BBDO, and DDB and FCB New Zealand have merged to create McCann New Zealand.

TBWA\Melbourne CEO Kimberlee Wells was promoted to a national CEO role following Paul's departure. She and New Zealand CEO Catherine Harris report to Nick.