VML has appointed Mark Verhagen as group executive creative director for its Brisbane and Perth offices, following an extensive local and global search.
Verhagen joins from VML Indonesia, where he was executive creative director. During his time in Jakarta, he played a role in building the office into one of Indonesia’s most awarded creative agencies.
In 2025, VML Indonesia was ranked the second most awarded agency in Indonesia by Campaign Brief Asia. Verhagen’s almost two-decade career includes recognition at Cannes Lions, APAC Effies, Adfest and the New York Festivals AME Awards.
His work has spanned health and wellness innovation, brand experience, social and digital campaigns, and creative platforms for major brands across the region.
Creative leadership across Brisbane and Perth
Paul Nagy, chief creative officer, VML APAC, said Verhagen’s work reflected the kind of creativity the agency wants to build across the region.
“Mark’s work consistently demonstrates the calibre of creativity we aspire to at VML – he’s relentlessly curious, deeply collaborative and knows how to turn ambitious thinking into ideas that move culture and business,” Nagy said.
“What he and the team achieved in Jakarta, taking VML from unranked to one of the most awarded agencies in Indonesia, speaks for itself. Bringing that momentum, energy and craft to VML in Brisbane and Perth is a massive win for our clients and our people. Exciting times.”
Adam Kennedy, managing director, VML Brisbane and Perth, said Verhagen brings a broad creative skill set to the agency’s Australian operations.
“Mark brings exactly the kind of creative leadership we want to build around in Brisbane and Perth – he’s hands-on, human-first, and thinks end-to-end across brand, digital, social and experience,” Kennedy said.
“He understands how to grow teams, mentor talent and push for work that’s both brave and brilliantly effective. We’re excited to see the impact he’ll have on our clients and our culture.”
Building on VML’s Australian momentum
Verhagen said Australia’s creative industry and VML’s local momentum were key attractions for the move.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with great people and teams across different markets, and together we’ve shown what’s possible when you combine ambitious thinking with a deep love for creativity,” Verhagen said.
“Australia has an incredible creative culture and VML has serious momentum here. I’m excited to help build on that – partnering with our clients, growing our teams in Brisbane and Perth, and making work that’s both culturally sharp and commercially effective.”