Global Exec Alan Vandermolen joins WE
WE NAMES VANDERMOLEN AS PRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL and WE+
LONDON — March 7, 2016 — WE Communications today announced that industry pro Alan VanderMolen has joined the agency as president, International and WE+, a powerhouse move showcasing the agency’s commitment to global expansion and growth. VanderMolen most recently served as global vice chairman for DJE Holdings, Edelman’s parent company.
In this newly created role, VanderMolen will be responsible for igniting the company’s APAC and EMEA operations as well as playing a cross-agency role in driving strategic growth initiatives. Since the agency’s reintroduction last fall, both regions are experiencing an influx of client interest — including recent onboarding of new EMEA clients like Takeda Oncology, a global pharmaceutical leader, and KaChing, a cashless, ticketless, “smart” parking app, as well as Amadeus, a travel technology innovator, and Lam Research, a market-leading equipment and services for semiconductor manufacturers, in APAC. This momentum is also a result of the agency’s unique global partnership network, WE+, where VanderMolen will play an integral role.
“Technology transforms the way the world does business, and innovators need to be creative in their approaches,” said CEO and founder Melissa Waggener Zorkin. “Alan’s track record in growing and building successful businesses, running international operations, and expanding capabilities and service offerings speaks for itself — and complements WE’s commitment to transformation while continuing to offer clients the best agency experience.”
VanderMolen will report directly to Waggener Zorkin and be an active member of her senior leadership team. He will also work closely with President of North America Kass Sells, APAC Executive Vice President Matthew Lackie and WE’s EMEA Leadership team. VanderMolen will split his time between bases in London and Singapore, working closely with in-region teams.
“WE is the perfect place for me. The agency’s progressive leadership, independence and deep roots with transformation-enabling brands place it in a position for accelerated growth,” VanderMolen said. “I am looking forward to a long, rewarding and fun run.”
VanderMolen’s move to WE further demonstrates the high caliber of talent the agency continues to attract and solidifies its commitment to global agency growth coming out of last year’s rebrand. Equally important is how the addition of VanderMolen will allow WE to provide even stronger, more impactful and cross-regional communications to clients in every corner of the globe. As a recognized leader in the communications arena, he brings more than 25 years of experience in the industry, having built and successfully led communications businesses in North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Latin America with both Edelman and Burson-Marsteller.
About WE
WE works with some of the most innovative companies on the planet — those focused on delivering the next big thing. We partner with clients to transform their businesses through storytelling, in many different forms. Our playground is consumer, healthcare, social innovation and technology. Our fiercely independent mindset allows us the freedom to bring together the best talent, partners and ideas to create powerful, persuasive campaigns. That’s the power of WE. Shiny accolades like Cannes Lions, Integrated Communications Agency of the Year, Digital Firm of the Year, Best Large Agency to Work For, Communications Agency of the Year and Technology Agency of the Decade adorn our offices. But it's not about us, it's about our clients, their customers, and sparking a more elemental and immersive conversation. Talk soon.http://www.we-worldwide.com.
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