Kalpesh Patankar returns to India as Group Chief Creative Officer at VML based in Mumbai

March 4 2025, 9:37 am | BY Adam Shaw | No Comments
Kalpesh Patankar returns to India as Group Chief Creative Officer at VML based in Mumbai

Kalpesh Patankar, or Kal, has signed on with VML India as Group Chief Creative Officer. Patankar brings nearly two decades of award-winning experience to the role, most recently serving as Chief Creative Officer at Leo Burnett Dubai.

 

Patankar’s appointment marks a significant addition to VML’s creative leadership. Kal is no stranger to VML, having previously held the position of CCO at VMLY&R Dubai. His legacy includes transforming agencies into creative powerhouses that are consistently recognized on the global stage. Under his leadership, both VMLY&R Dubai and Leo Burnett Dubai achieved unprecedented success, from driving business wins to creating famous, industry-leading work. His leadership has earned recognitions including “MEA Agency of the Decade” at Cannes Lions, multiple “Agency of the Year” awards at Dubai Lynx and MENA Effies. He has also been recognized as Advertising Creative Person of the Year.

Patankar’s deep understanding of the creative craft coupled with his expertise in building strong 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. His leadership will be instrumental in driving the agency’s continued growth and success in the region.

“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 is fantastic at shattering boundaries to create phenomenal work for our clients,” said Paul Nagy, CCO, VML APAC. “I am excited to have him on board as he leads our teams across India to new heights.”

Throughout his career, Patankar has consistently challenged conventional thinking, pushing boundaries and delivering groundbreaking work for globally recognized brands such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Harvey Nichols, Land Rover, and Colgate. His work has been celebrated and studied by creatives worldwide, and he has served as Jury President at prestigious award shows including Cannes Lions, D&AD, Andys, and ADFEST.

“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 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.