Mel Edwards is the Global President of VML, the world’s largest creative company combining brand experience, customer experience and commerce. VML was formed in October 2023 following the merger of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R, bringing together world-class creativity with deep expertise in data, marketing technology and platforms.

Prior to being named Global President of VML, Mel was Global CEO of Wunderman Thompson. Under her leadership, Wunderman Thompson became one of the most awarded networks for creativity and innovation, including prestigious Cannes Lions Grand Prix awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The network was named by Contagious as one of the ‘Best and Bravest Agencies on the Planet’, and in 2023 was crowned Campaign’s ‘Global Integrated Network of the Year’ and named as a ‘Standout’ agency on Ad Age’s A-List.

A catalyst for business transformation, Mel is recognized as a leader with a proven record of helping marketers anticipate and navigate change. Her experiences are the foundation of her success working with blue chip brands including Coca-Cola, Ford, HSBC, L’Oreal, Microsoft, Nestle, Unilever, and more.

Mel believes brands that bring together innovation, technology, social purpose and equality have unique capabilities to help make the world a better place. She’s passionate about building diverse teams and giving people the confidence to be their authentic selves – empowering people to create outstanding ideas and make a positive impact on society.

Mel is a hugely respected voice in the industry, regularly sought after for her perspective on change and her intuitive sense of what lies over the horizon. She has been featured on Campaign’s A-List, The Drum’s Digerati, and Ad Age’s European Women to Watch, and has appeared on the HERoes Top 100 Women Executives for three consecutive years. In 2023 she was named Business Woman of the Year in Marketing and Communications at the European CEO Awards, and Agency Leader of the Year at the Campaign Global Agency of the Year Awards.

She is a member of the WPP Executive Committee and also sits on the Ad Council Board, a non-profit dedicated to maximizing the industry’s passion for social good. Comprised of innovative leaders in media, technology, marketing and advertising, the Board of Directors rallies the Ad Council communities to help them expand their impact.

Mel began her advertising career with TBWA before moving on to M&C Saatchi’s LIDA, where she rose to CEO. She started her WPP journey at Wunderman as the UK CEO in 2012, where her people skills propelled her to the CEO role for Wunderman EMEA in 2015 and the global role in 2018.

Mel lives in London with her husband, Rich, her two children, Honor and Mack, and their dog Whiskey.