Adsmurai vs VML

Adsmurai among the first agencies recognized in TikTok Marketing Partners Program’s new Premier tier

Adsmurai has been recognized as a TikTok Premier Agency Partner, and has also acquired Ciaodino to strengthen its growth in Italy.

Adsmurai and Uber Advertising bring the marketing industry together in Madrid during Fashion Week with Culture in Motion

Adsmurai and Uber Advertising have partnered to host an event during Madrid Fashion Week, bringing the marketing industry together with the 'Culture in Motion' initiative.

Jon Cook Steps Down as CEO of WPP Creative and VML

Jon Cook, global CEO of VML and WPP Creative, will step down after more than 30 years with WPP, effective March 2027. Eric Campbell, currently CEO of VML and WPP Creative in North America, will succeed Cook as global CEO of VML, while retaining his North American role at WPP Creative. Cook will remain in his positions until the transition to ensure a seamless handover. The announcement, made on October 2, 2026, follows the recent exit of Troy Ruhanen from Omnicom Advertising, marking significant leadership changes in major holding companies. WPP has not yet named a successor for Cook's role as CEO of WPP Creative, which he has led since its launch in February 2026. Cook also led the creation of VML in 2024 through the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson. These changes come amid broader restructuring at WPP, with the industry closely watching the impact on creative landscape and client relationships.

• Jon Cook will step down as global CEO of VML and WPP Creative, effective March 2027.
• Eric Campbell will succeed Cook as global CEO of VML, retaining his North American role at WPP Creative.
• Cook will remain in his roles until March 2027 to ensure a seamless transition.

Cakes Body Launches In-House Media Studio Cakes Media

Beauty brand Cakes Body, known for its founder-led TikTok virality, has launched its own entertainment company, Cakes Media, to bring brand marketing in-house and operationalize virality. The company grossed $100 million in sales since launching in 2022. Cakes Media aims to create social-first content and owned media for digital and streaming platforms, with a focus on long-form documentary-style episodes repurposed for short-form content. The studio is funded from the brand's top-of-funnel marketing budget. The move reflects a broader trend of brands building in-house studios to earn attention through entertainment rather than traditional advertising.

• Cakes Body launched Cakes Media, an in-house entertainment company, in September 2026.
• The company grossed $100 million in sales in three years since its 2022 launch.
• Cakes hired former Red Bull executive Caley Wildermuth as head of content.

VML Named Network of the Year and VML UK Crowned Agency of the Year at 2026 Gerety Awards

VML has been named Network of the Year and VML UK has been crowned Agency of the Year at the 2026 Gerety Awards, as highlighted in the latest news roundup.