Y&R is reaching out to VML in Kansas City, hoping the shop can be its digital knight.
According to Adweek:
WPP Group’s Young & Rubicam has forged a strategic alliance with sister digital shop VML that also gives VML a platform to become a global player.
VML CEO Matt Anthonyw will assume the role of chief global digital officer for Y&R. Anthony, 49, also has joined Y&R’s worldwide board. In his new global role, he’s charged with recruiting and training digital talent as well as tackling key client issues. He will also lead the rollout of VML across Y&R’s offices, initially in North America but then abroad, said Y&R worldwide CEO Hamish McLennan.
In some ways, the partnership is an acknowledgment that Y&R wasn’t going to develop its own digital capabilities fast enough to keep up with client demand. “It really does turbo-charge the offering,” McLennan said of the linkup with VML. “The truth is these days, in the digital field, you can’t fudge it.