Authentic connection isn’t just what we work toward, it’s been a part of VML since the beginning.
In 1992, our founders, John Valentine, Scott McCormick and Craig Ligibel, set out to create a closely integrated agency that was more versatile, nimble and embraced collaboration with clients. We’re often asked what VML stands for — it was simply a combination of our founders’ last initials that created our agency name.
VML built a strong partnership with our first client, Northwest Airlines, moving quickly from project work to taking on their entire national account. Our founding client, Christopher Clouser, recognized our initiative, “I've been privileged to work with most of the major agencies in the world and have found that VML listens and learns their clients' businesses and their needs better than others. It's a virtue they are committed to.”
Our founders soon brought on Matt Anthony as a fourth partner, who played a critical part in VML’s growth for years. While these four are now pursuing new adventures, they remain a part of the VML family spirit and we see each of them from time to time at VML events. Continuity has always been important at VML as witnessed by many original VMLers that are now long time members of our executive team, including Jon Cook, Eric Baumgartner and Mike Yardley.
VML’s commitment to constant innovation and reinvention has helped us evolve our capabilities, take on new, exciting work and grow to be a leading global agency network. Despite all this, what continues to stay the same is our mission to move brands forward and create meaningful human connections.
