As the Global Chief Creative Officer, Health & Wellness, and Chief Creative Officer of VML Chicago at one of the world’s largest and most awarded communications agencies, Routhier oversees a specialist creative team spanning three continents—North America, Europe and APAC. She also serves as a key member of the VML Health executive leadership team and the VML Global Creative Board.

Mel is a regular juror at Cannes and was president of the Health and Wellness Jury for Cannes Lions in 2023. A proven leader who tirelessly works to transform brands and make them famous, Mel’s work has received top honors at the major industry shows, including awards from Cannes, the London International Awards, Clios, Effies, Lürzer’s Archive, Communication Arts, ADDYs, REGGIEs, and the Chicago Advertising Federation.

In her long-standing role as Chief Creative Officer of VML Chicago, Routhier manages clients including World of Hyatt, Abbott Laboratories, Kohl's, Pizza Hut, Purina, and Butterball. Her current health clients include Astra-Zeneca, Genentech and J&J.

In addition to being a veteran of more than 20 years in the ad industry, Mel is also a 12-year vet of the equally challenging and fulfilling parenthood industry, where, alongside her husband Eric, she serves as co-Chief Operating Officer to her two children, Elliot and Faye.