---
title: 'Business Director (Tobacco) at VML'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/business-director-tobacco-vml-kuala-lumpur-rd2vcqayxz5w'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-16'
---

# Business Director (Tobacco) at VML

- **Company:** VML
- **Location:** Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- **Posted:** 2026-10-15
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-16
- **Apply:** https://www.vml.com/careers/job/8891160002?gh_jid=8891160002

## Job description

## Who We Are

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100. VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore.

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.

For more information, please visit [www.vml.com](http://www.vml.com/)and follow along on  [LinkedIn](https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__urldefense.com_v3_-5F-5Fhttps-3A_www.linkedin.com_company_vml_-5F-5F-3B-21-21JboVxjCXSME-21OhlpCfbkl1UcWPwns1-2DGtvHOzFh0QwHV49fsPgGw-2DVCCU1bCg8aQFI9vN-2Dy-2DVwaQcITH2j2XKzGKBIFRLYf2AUWVYY1dFGK6-24&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=zouFnm4jZMgDFaYF1uVcRY3rbgHWPca_luUrBUkT6Yc&m=QzcCgXCAOjzj5hiU48_CKOdHRSJ4_YpuqfviT9yjlzH5VrkzySTZ-WaQXlYAnj4W&s=jJ7q5V70u9oUx7ONPm5jC3IK8y6vxDilX6BGTlqlWlA&e=) #WeAreVML.

## ROLE DESCRIPTION

Primarily responsible for the management of relationships with clients.  As the senior point of contact for an agency’s customers, the Business Director also co‐ordinates the resources needed to service projects, builds strategic operational plans and balances the expectations of clients with the execution of creative work. The Business Director ensures the smooth production of campaigns – from briefing designers and copywriters, to managing budgets and possibly a team executives. On the whole, this is an office‐based role and the Business Director will spend time in meetings and briefings, as well as remaining in close contact with key clients.

## KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Taking a lead in clients’ marketing and advertising strategies
- Leading a team to provide the utmost level of client service
- Liaising with clients at a senior level (marketing manager) on a day ‐to‐day basis
- Promoting the expansion of business with existing clients
- Working with other within the agency to generate new accounts
- Completing projects to a specific schedule and within an agreed budget
- Skills to push clients and the agency creatively and strategically

## PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE & DEMONSTRATED BEHAVIOURS

- Significant experience in professional client relationship management
- Must be strategically sound and able to understand brand strategy and process of delivering a ATL. Previous experience on FMGC will be good.
- Must have experience working with multiple interagency (not within WPP network) i.e Digital agency, Media agency, PR agency, Experiential agency
- Occasional travel is usually required for client meeting/presentation, new business presentations, planning and brief taking (in client’s office).
- The ability to work with other inter‐agencies to deliver an integrated communication campaign
- A persuasive and confident approach to creative projects
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Effective team management capabilities
- A keen attention to detail and budgetary restraints
- Full awareness of creative processes and techniques – including ATL and digital platforms

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve 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.

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our [Recruitment Privacy Policy](https://www.vml.com/recruitment-privacy-policy). California residents should read our [California Recruitment Privacy Notice](https://www.vml.com/california-recruitment-privacy-notice). This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

## About VML

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: VML is a global creative company that helps brands drive growth by seamlessly connecting Brand Experience, Customer Experience, and Commerce through a human-first, tech-enabled approach.
- **Entity Type**: Public (subsidiary of WPP, LSE: WPP)
- **Headquarters**: New York, United States
- **Founded**: 2024 (formed from the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, with legacy agencies dating back to 1864)
- **Founders**: Not applicable – the company was formed by merging two WPP agencies; Global CEO is Jon Cook

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Advertising services, marketing, digital transformation, brand consulting
- **Target customers**: B2B – large enterprise brands across sectors (consumer goods, healthcare, technology, retail, etc.)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: “Create connected brands that become a part of people’s lives and drive growth for client partners” – guided by a “Human First” creative philosophy.

## Products & Services
- **Brand Experience (BX)**: Compelling brand worlds and creative platforms that build emotional connections from the first touchpoint.
- **Customer Experience (CX)**: Intelligent digital platforms, loyalty programs, and data-driven customer journeys that deepen relationships.
- **Commerce**: Seamless, innovative commerce solutions that convert interest into action.
- **Technology Transformation**: Digital infrastructure, platform engineering, and AI-powered marketing via WPP Open.
- **Health**: Specialized healthcare marketing and communications (VML Health).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed for VML (parent WPP’s market cap is ~£8B as of mid-2025). 
- **Key Metric**: 26,000+ employees across 150+ offices globally (vml.com); some sources report 34,000+ on LinkedIn.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Parent company WPP; key clients include blue-chip global brands (not publicly listed).
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - Formed in 2024 from two major WPP agencies, consolidating over 300 years of combined expertise.
  - 373 active job postings (LinkedIn, as of mid-2026) with +80.2% quarterly growth in postings.
  - Named No. 3 on an unspecified industry ranking (vml.com/expertise).
  - VML Foundation has contributed over $3.2 million to charitable causes.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Human First approach**: A creative philosophy that prioritizes deep understanding of human needs, making campaigns more resonant and effective.
- **Connected capabilities**: Unlike pure creative or tech firms, VML integrates BX, CX, and Commerce into a single, unified offering.
- **Scale and heritage**: 26,000 people in 50+ markets, with legacy from J. Walter Thompson, Y&R, Wunderman, and VML.
- **WPP Open**: Access to WPP’s AI-powered marketing operating system for intelligent, measurable, and scalable solutions.
- **Inclusion Experience**: A dedicated consultancy helping clients design inclusive experiences for people with disabilities.

## Strategic Focus
- Deepening the integration of creativity and technology to deliver “connected brands.”
- Expanding AI-driven marketing and personalization through WPP Open.
- Growing the Health practice and Commerce capabilities.
- Investing in talent development and culture (e.g., Emerge Internship Program, Catalyst Academy, All Win Program).
- Continuing to build a diverse, inclusive workforce and culture of belonging.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Emphasizes “Human First” internally – belonging, continuous learning, and authentic personal branding. The Culture & Belonging team actively fosters understanding and empathy.
- **Career Development**: Bespoke platforms for career mapping, feedback coaching, and skills building. Programs like Catalyst Academy (12-month global program) and Emerge US Internship (10-week) provide structured growth.
- **Work Environment**: Hybrid and office-based roles; 150+ offices worldwide offer global mobility. The Detroit Experience Studio and All Win Program show community engagement.
- **Perks & Benefits**: VML Foundation (employee-led giving), wellness resources, and a focus on mental and physical health.
- **Engineering Culture**: For tech roles, exposure to large-scale digital transformation projects, WPP Open AI platform, and modern data/tech stacks.

## Sources
1. [vml.com/careers](https://www.vml.com/careers) – Careers page with culture, programs, and values.
2. [vml.com/about-us](https://www.vml.com/about-us) – About page with company overview, leadership, and history.
3. [vml.com/expertise](https://www.vml.com/expertise) – Description of core services and capabilities.
4. [linkedin.com/company/vml](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vml) – LinkedIn company page with employee count, job postings, and recent departures.

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