VML South Africa announces Jarred Cinman as CEO

A leader in South Africa's agency landscape for three decades, Cinman has been at the forefront of digital evolution in the industry, having started and led South Africa's first digital agency in the 1990s, says VML. 

According to VML, Wilson joined shortly thereafter, and their 27-year partnership has seen them co-found and lead Cambrient and then Native, which ultimately became VMLY&R South Africa. They have been the co-CEOs of this business for the past five years.

 

 

 

 

Cinman will report to Ewen Sturgeon, CEO of VML EMEA.

On the appointment, Sturgeon says, "I am absolutely delighted that Cinman and Wilson will be leading the VML brand in South Africa. Their client-centric focus, inclusive leadership style and forward-thinking approach to innovation and technology will ensure we create a thriving business and that our clients are offered the very best across brand experience, customer experience and commerce."

 

Fran Luckin becomes chief creative officer, as announced at the end of 2023. Tebogo Skwambane, who also holds the position of WPP country manager for South Africa, is announced as executive chairperson. Avron Berkman will become the chief finance officer for the business.

 

Miles Murphy, CEO of Wunderman Thompson South Africa, has decided to use the opportunity of the merger with VMLY&R to move on to the next stage of his professional career, according to VML.

Murphy has had a tremendous impact on Wunderman Thompson over the last four years but will be stepping down from his role as CEO and leaving the business in early January. We thank Murphy for his valued contribution and wish him all the very best for his future endeavours, VML says. 

VML will be equipped to support clients on creative brand growth strategy and transformation initiatives, all powered by best-in-class data operations, technology platforms and partnerships with leading technology companies. It will also provide an exceptional offer for healthcare companies and B2B marketers, says the agency. 

 

On his appointment and the next steps for the business, Cinman says, "It's a great honour to be able to lead such an ambitious, skilled and technologically savvy new agency. Along with Wilson and the rest of the leadership team, we have an ambition to be the best agency on the continent — period."

"That means rising to the top of the creative rankings, delivering the most effective work and making culturally resonant and purposeful communication, commerce and experiences. I really believe that the new VML has everything clients want and need from a creative partner," adds Cinman. 

 

Wilson says, "Our first big investment is in people, and we are thrilled to be welcoming Fran Luckin as our new CCO in a few weeks. Creativity is a product of talent and experience, and Luckin has the perfect combination of these qualities. With her leading our creative teams, I'm looking forward to seeing VML shine brightly in the creative advertising space."

 

"Tebogo Skwambane, who has established the WPP country manager office in South Africa (and continues to hold that role), brings a wealth of knowledge in organisational design, integration and commercial acumen. Her background in consulting will be key to helping us build our new organisation and operating model, and she will play an active and vital role as we define our path ahead," Wilson adds. 

 

"The secret to successful integration is bringing together the right calibre of leaders and focusing on the right things. Between the two legacy businesses, we have many of the best people in the industry on our team. And our focus is on our culture, our clients and the work. This is a chance to level up for both organisations and there is a palpable sense of possibility in the corridors," Cinman concludes. 

For more information, visit www.vmlyr.com. You can also follow VMLY&R on Facebook, X or on Instagram.