Andrea (Ring) Grodberg has been appointed global chief strategy officer for VMLY&R. The role will provide strategic leadership across the network’s nearly 100 offices in 45 countries as Grodberg heads strategy for key client accounts including The Coca-Cola Company. Grodberg will join the agency’s global leadership team, reporting to global CEO Jon Cook.
Throughout her career, Grodberg has placed brand experience (BX) and customer experience (CX) at the center of her thinking. Grodberg most recently served as chief strategy officer at BBDO, where she leveraged principles of creativity, deep brand strategy, data rigor and advanced technology. Prior to that, Grodberg was global chief strategy officer at Big Spaceship serving clients like Starbucks, Chase Bank, and Pepsi. She spent 10 years at R/GA, including five heading strategy for the agency. Over the past 25 years, she has also held key strategy roles at J. Walter Thompson, Bigchalk.com, and Digital Pulp Advertising.
“Andrea is an industry leading talent, motivated to shape culture and grow brands,” said Cook. “She brings a depth of experience influencing strategy across regions, clients and diverse disciplines. And she is a true connector of ideas and people. Andrea’s finely honed brand expertise and XD craft will uncover new opportunities for our agency and client partners.”
Grodberg has been awarded numerous strategy and creative awards including Cannes Lions, Chiat Strategy Awards, and Effies for brands including Nike, Barnes and Noble, MARS, Converse, and McCormick. She is dedicated to using the next chapter of her career to deepen her commitment to sustainability, equity, and helping all companies do good, by doing good.
Grodberg said, “The time for change in the world of business is here as is the time for agencies to take a more aggressive role in that change. Agencies have the privilege and responsibility to help brands modernize–to lead our clients to responsible growth and give people the progressive options and experiences they deserve. The only way to do this is to make it easy for our clients to be future-oriented. I’m thrilled to join an agency leading the industry’s most advanced, and actionable work across CX, BX and Commerce. At this point in my career, I can’t wait to join a team that has the power and potential to make a positive impact.”
Grodberg is based in New York and volunteers for Potential Energy, a climate-focused advertising project.
