VMLY&R has announced the appointment of two executive roles for The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) business: Stephanie DeCelles is promoted to global client lead, and Chase Cornett is named global chief strategy officer. In their new roles, DeCelles and Cornett will join OpenX from WPP, the bespoke agency created to service the Coca-Cola company after being named its global marketing network partner in November 2021. DeCelles and Cornett will be part of the integrated OpenX leadership team, which spans creative, media, social, data, tech, PR, and commerce services. They will partner closely with Rafael Pitanguy, creative lead for TCCC at VMLY&R.
“Stephanie and Chase are a powerhouse duo known for bringing strategic focus, collaborative spirit, and proven passion for breakthrough and innovative work for clients. Their depth of understanding when it comes to client needs is clear when you look at their record of delivering growth for global brands. They are an unbeatable choice to lead across our partnership with The Coca-Cola Company and wider WPP OpenX team,” said global CEO Jon Cook.
DeCelles has been promoted to global client lead for VMLY&R on the Coca-Cola Company business. She previously served as executive director of VMLY&R Kansas City, one of the flagship global offices in the network. In this role she was responsible for growth, culture and key client relationships across the office. She will continue to be based in Kansas City and report to Eric Campbell, global president, VMLY&R.
Since joining VMLY&R in 2012, DeCelles has had her work recognized by Cannes, the One Show, Effie and the Clio Awards. With nearly 20 years’ experience, she has led both national and global brands including Intel, Gatorade, Red Bull, Danone, Walmart and Bumble. Under her leadership, VMLY&R continues to expand through new divisions and capabilities, with high-profile brands for which the agency has won several industry awards.
Cornett has been named global chief strategy officer at VMLY&R for the Coca-Cola Company. The appointment is the first major move from Andrea (Ring) Grodberg who joined VMLY&R last month as global chief strategy officer. Cornett will continue to be based in Kansas City. His previous brand experience includes Gatorade, Tropicana, Red Bull, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Disney Stores, and Toyota with work globally recognized at Cannes, the One Show, Effie, and Clio.
Prior to taking the helm of the global Coca-Cola business, Cornett successfully led the pitch and then global strategy for Team Intel–rebranding this iconic tech giant for only the second time in history. He also served as head of strategy for VMLY&R’s Kansas City office where he was responsible for driving our strategic point of view and growing and building a world-class team of brand, experience, and creative strategists. Cornett joined VMLY&R in 2017 from FCB Chicago, where he served as sr. VP and strategic planning director.
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More