Jemma Titheridge, Daine Kingma, Kate Thomson.
VML has appointed Daine Kingma managing partner, Jemma Titheridge head of strategy and Kate Thomson has been promoted to head of media.
They join group executive creative director Kim Pick and finance director Maureen Sipkes in the leadership team.
“I am excited about this next chapter for VML Wellington, and to work closely with Daine, Jemma, Kate and the wider leadership team,” said VML ANZ CEO Paul Bradbury.
“VML New Zealand recently ranked #1 in Campaign Brief’s The Work, which speaks to the creative excellence led by Kim and the calibre of the teams and work already in market.
“It’s a strong platform to build from, and I’m looking forward to what we’ll achieve together going forward.”
Kingma experience includes FCB Wellington for the past three and a half years, where he led NZTA Waka Kotahi.
Prior to joining FCB, Kingma was lead business partner at Colenso BBDO Auckland.
“VML Wellington has a strong creative reputation and a team that consistently delivers work with real impact,” said Kingma.
“I’m excited to take responsibility for where we go next, working closely with the Wellington leadership team and as part of VML’s broader New Zealand and ANZ leadership.
“My focus is on providing clear direction and building on what’s already here, creating the environment for strong thinking, high standards, and work that genuinely matters for our clients and for Aotearoa.
“For me, leadership is about setting direction, backing expert judgement, and holding a high bar, so our people can do their best work and our work earns its place in the world.”
Titheridge previous roles include marketing team lead at Health New Zealand, Co-Chair of the NZ Social Marketing Network, former board member of the National Council of Women of New Zealand, and creative partner at Special Ad Service, Wellington.
“Moving from client side to agency side isn’t something you do lightly, but VML Wellington felt like the right place to do it. I’ve worked with the team before and I know how seriously they take the work and the people it’s for,” said Titheridge.
“The chance to help shape that from the inside was a big pull. My background has always been about understanding people’s realities and then finding clear, practical ways to reach them.
“In this role, I’m excited to work with our clients to get to the heart of the problem and build simple, strong strategies that actually help change things.”
Thomson has recently stepped into the role of head of media after almost 14 years with the agency. Promoted from business director / senior media planner, she has more than 25 years’ media agency experience.
She will lead VML Wellington’s media offering.
“Media has shifted hugely since I first joined the agency – how people watch, listen and read looks completely different now,” said Thomson.
“That can be challenging, but it also means there are more options than ever to reach people in ways that feel natural to them.
“After almost 14 years here, stepping into this role and joining the leadership team alongside Daine and Jemma feels like the right next step.
“I’m excited to bring what I know about the media landscape together with their fresh perspectives, and to keep finding straightforward, effective ways for our clients to connect with people across Aotearoa.”
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