VML Global has promoted John Godsey and Mike Wente to the roles of North American Chief Creative Officers. The two of them will oversee creative for VML offices across the U.S., and report to Global Chief Creative Officer Debbi Vandeven.
Godsey and Wente have been an instrumental part of VML’s new business wins in 2016 including New Balance and Electrolux/Frigidaire.
The promotions will allow Vandeven to focus on expanding VML’s global client base, as well as providing leadership that builds and strengthens the agency’s creative work and talent across the world.
Godsey currently leads the creative department at VML’s global headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.
“John excels at creating brand ideas that change perceptions and blur the lines between advertising and entertainment,” Vandeven said, in a statement. “In 2010, after joining VML to lead branded content creation, John was quickly promoted to executive creative director where he led efforts for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.”
Under Godsey’s leadership, the agency has won more than 20 Lions for VML, including the “Everything to Prove” branded content series for Gatorade, Wendy’s Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger Love Songs and Nashville’s For the Love of Music.
Wente joined VML in 2007 and currently serves as managing director and executive creative director of VML New York.
“Known for his creative insight and passion for ideas, Mike has moved comfortably between all disciplines of marketing for a wide range of clients,” Vandeven said, in the release. “Possessing strong leadership skills and a never say quit attitude, he believes great ideas are meant not to just sell things but to create an obsession for the brand.”
Went has been leading creative at the New York office since 2012 and has been working on campaigns for clients such as the International Olympic Committee, New Balance, Chevron, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, and Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
