Vice President & Executive Business Director

Who We Are: 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

VP & EBD Client Servicing Department: Client Servicing Reports To: Managing Partner Location: Kolkata About: VML India VML is a global powerhouse connecting creativity, technology, and culture to deliver transformative brand experiences
Our mission is to drive growth for our clients by building brands that matter to people
We're fueled by core values of curiosity, collaboration, and courage, fostering a vibrant culture where innovation thrives and diverse perspectives are celebrated
Job Summary: We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President & Executive Business Director (VP & EBD) to lead our Client Servicing team dedicated to managing and growing our key accounts: Tobacco, Retail
This is a senior leadership role requiring a strategic thinker with a proven track record of building strong client relationships, driving revenue growth, and leading high-performing teams
The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in the FMCG and Retail sectors, including experience navigating the complexities of dark categories such as alcohol and tobacco
They will be responsible for the overall strategic direction, client satisfaction, and financial performance of these critical accounts
Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute strategic account plans aligned with client objectives and company goals
Identify and pursue new business opportunities within existing client relationships
Provide thought leadership and strategic guidance to clients on marketing, advertising, and communication strategies
Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies to inform strategic decision-making
Client Relationship Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for senior-level clients, building and maintaining strong, trusted relationships
Proactively anticipate client needs and address concerns effectively
Ensure client satisfaction through exceptional service delivery and proactive communication
Conduct regular client reviews to assess performance, identify areas for improvement, and explore new opportunities
Team Leadership & Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing client servicing team
Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance reviews
Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment
Delegate responsibilities effectively and empower team members to take ownership
Identify training and development needs for team members and implement appropriate programs
Financial Management: Oversee the financial performance of assigned accounts, including revenue generation, profitability, and budget management
Develop and manage account budgets, ensuring adherence to financial targets
Identify and implement cost-saving measures to improve profitability
Accurately forecast revenue and expenses
Operational Excellence: Ensure the efficient and effective delivery of client services
Streamline processes and workflows to improve productivity and efficiency
Collaborate with internal teams (e-g, creative, media, production) to ensure seamless execution of client projects
Monitor project timelines and budgets to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery
Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure all client activities comply with relevant regulations and ethical guidelines, particularly in relation to dark categories (alcohol and tobacco)
Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to protect the company's reputation and financial interests
Maintain a thorough understanding of industry-specific regulations and guidelines
Role Requirements: Experience in Dark Categories: Proven experience managing clients and campaigns within dark categories such as alcohol and tobacco, demonstrating a strong understanding of the unique challenges and regulations associated with these industries
FMCG Expertise: Deep understanding of the FMCG industry, including market dynamics, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape
Retail Acumen: Strong knowledge of the retail sector, including brick-and-mortar and e-commerce channels
Senior Leadership Experience: Demonstrated experience in a senior leadership role, with responsibility for managing a team and driving business growth
Client Servicing Expertise: Extensive experience in client servicing, with a proven track record of building and maintaining strong client relationships
Desired Skills and Experiences: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA preferred
15+ years of experience in client servicing, with a focus on FMCG and Retail accounts
Proven track record of successfully managing and growing large, complex accounts
Strong understanding of marketing, advertising, and communication principles
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to think strategically and develop innovative solutions
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Experience with project management software
Mature and Calm Temperament: Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure, maintaining a professional demeanor in challenging situations
Ability to Work Under Pressure: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced environment
Additional Details: This role requires occasional travel to client locations
The successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners
We are looking for a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a passion for client service and a commitment to excellence, We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection
That's why weve 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
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