Executive Creative Director

Wunderman Thompson; Kuala Lumpur; Hybrid; MYR 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative agency in Kuala Lumpur is seeking an exceptional Executive Creative Director (Art-Based) to lead its creative department. The role requires 15+ years in creative, with a focus on visual storytelling and art direction. You will inspire a multidisciplinary team, drive business growth, and elevate agency output through compelling visual solutions. The agency offers a hybrid work model and values creativity and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15+ years in creative roles, with 5-7+ years in senior creative leadership.
• Proven track record of leading award-winning, integrated campaigns.
• Extensive experience managing and mentoring large creative teams.
• Exceptional leadership, mentorship, and team-building capabilities.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Define and champion the creative vision and aesthetic standards.
• Serve as a senior creative partner to key clients.
• Collaborate with Strategy and Account Management for creative strategies.
• Manage creative resources and workflow efficiently.

Skills

Leadership

Visual storytelling

Creative strategy

Communication

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Overview

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

Job Summary

VML Malaysia seeks an exceptional and visionary Executive Creative Director (Art-Based) to lead and inspire our creative department. This pivotal leadership role requires a seasoned creative with profound art direction and visual storytelling expertise, and a proven track record of delivering groundbreaking, award-winning work. You will set the creative vision, elevate agency output, foster innovation, and drive business growth through compelling visual solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Creative Vision & Leadership: Define and champion VML Malaysia's creative vision and aesthetic standards. Lead, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary creative team, ensuring exceptional visual craft and innovative execution across all integrated campaigns.
• Client & Business Growth: Serve as a senior creative partner to key clients. Lead and win new business pitches with compelling creative strategies. Identify growth opportunities within existing accounts.
• Strategic & Conceptual Oversight: Collaborate with Strategy and Account Management to translate client objectives into powerful, visually-driven creative strategies. Guide the team in developing original, impactful concepts.
• Quality & Operations: Act as the ultimate arbiter of creative quality. Manage creative resources and workflow efficiently. Recruit, develop, and retain top creative talent.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field.
• Experience:
• Minimum 15+ years in creative roles, with 5-7+ years in senior creative leadership (e.g., ECD, CD) within a reputable advertising or digital agency.
• Proven track record of leading award-winning, integrated campaigns with a strong emphasis on visual excellence, art direction, and design craft.
• Extensive experience managing and mentoring large creative teams.
• Demonstrated success in new business acquisition and client relationship growth.
• Technical Skills:
• Mastery of design principles, typography, photography, film, and digital aesthetics.
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and understanding of digital platforms/emerging technologies.
• Soft Skills:
• Exceptional leadership, mentorship, and team-building capabilities.
• Visionary and strategic thinker with ability to inspire and articulate clear creative direction.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong business acumen, resilience, and adaptability in a fast-paced agency environment.
• Fluent in English; Bahasa Malaysia proficiency is a significant advantage.

Additional Information

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That is why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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