VML names Kalpesh Patankar as Group CCO

VML, a global creative agency, today  announced the appointment of Kalpesh Patankar, or Kal, as the industry knows him, as Group Chief  Creative Officer, India. Patankar brings nearly two decades of experience to the  role, most recently serving as Chief Creative Officer at Leo Burnett Dubai.  

He has previously held the position of CCO at VMLY&R Dubai. Under his leadership, both VMLY&R Dubai and Leo Burnett Dubai achieved success. His leadership has earned recognitions including 'MEA Agency of the Decade' at Cannes Lions, Agency of  the Year awards at Dubai Lynx and MENA Effies. He has also been recognised as Advertising  Creative Person of the Year. 

Patankar’s understanding of the creative craft coupled with his experience in building client relationships, makes him a valuable asset to VML. Returning to India after nearly 20 years in  Southeast Asia and the Middle East, he brings a global perspective to the India business.  

“We are looking forward to having Kal back our global creative team. His extraordinary brand  skills, particularly in the area of craft, are second to none. Under his creative leadership,  brand building and the level of craft will flourish in India. He has a unique ability to bring humanity  and creativity together to deliver solutions for clients that transcend marketing,” added Debbi  Vandeven, CCO, VML. 

“Kal's philosophy of 'Do good and put it out there' perfectly aligns with VML’s vision," said Babita  Baruah, CEO, VML India. "His pursuit of creative excellence, combined with his proven ability to  build high-performing teams, makes him the ideal leader to drive our creative vision across India." 

Patankar has worked for brands such as Coca Cola, McDonald’s, Harvey Nichols, Land Rover, and Colgate.

"I have been considering returning to India for a long time, but I was waiting for the right moment,  agency and team to do it with," said Kalpesh Patankar. "I believe that moment is now, with the  team at VML. Creativity has the power to transform businesses, and I'm excited to collaborate  with teams across India and APAC to deliver exceptional results for our clients." 

Based out of the agency’s Mumbai office, Patankar will report to Debbi Vandeven, Global CCO, VML and Babita Baruah, CEO VML India. He will work closely with Paul Nagy, APAC CCO, to enhance VML’s creative reputation in APAC and around the world.