VMLY&R has promoted Lisa Bridgers to chief people officer in North America. Bridgers will oversee progressive human resources practices centered on a “people first” philosophy, inclusive management, forward-thinking corporate practices, and support ongoing commitments for diversity, equity and inclusion. In this role, Bridgers will work closely with leaders across the agency’s 18 North American offices. Bridgers will continue to report to global chief people officer, Ronnie Felder.
With strong growth across North America in 2020 VMLY&R added around 400 full time new employees to the agency, with over a third of new hires identifying as BIPOC. Bridgers and VMLY&R will continue to build momentum in the region following a streak of recent new business wins including Sam’s Club AOR.
The employee experience team has seen further momentum in 2021, with the agency receiving a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality.
VMLY&R also implemented many new employee programs in 2020 such as:
- FLEX: a program encouraging staff to schedule time away from their screens & meeting free time zones.
- A recommitment to mental health and parental and caregiver programming.
- Additional Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): employee-led and company-funded social, cultural, and minority groups that help our employees advocate for important causes, embrace differences, and foster an environment that enables employees to bring their whole selves to work.
- NeXus: a modified version of the agency’s successful internship program. Virtual masterclass including regular seminars and matching participants with agency mentors.
Bridgers’s HR function partners with The VMLY&R Foundation, an integral part of the agency’s DNA since day one. Through the VMLY&R Foundation, the agency provides a range of support to nonprofit organizations and worthy causes chosen by their employees.
Bridgers is a longstanding WPP employee, joining the agency in 2017 following its merger with Rockfish. She previously served as regional director, employee experience.
She originally joined Rockfish as part of the talent acquisition team and spent the following years implementing progressive human resources practices building a people-first agency, which ultimately lead to her appointment as chief people officer.
Prior to joining Rockfish, Bridgers held talent acquisition and human resources positions for more than two decades, including stints at Saatchi & Saatchi X and Robert Half International.
She is the co-creator of the Women in the Workforce conference in Northwest Arkansas, and a member of the Executive Advisory Committee for the Women’s Empowerment Center. Bridgers holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Arkansas Tech University and is an active volunteer in her community.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More