Mumbai: VML, a global creative transformation agency, has announced the appointment of Kalpesh Patankar, known as Kal, as its new Group Chief Creative Officer for India. With nearly two decades of award-winning experience in the creative industry, Kal returns to India after serving as Chief Creative Officer at Leo Burnett Dubai.
Patankar’s appointment represents a significant leap for VML’s creative leadership in India. Having previously served as the Chief Creative Officer at VMLY&R Dubai, he has built a reputation for transforming agencies into creative powerhouses. His leadership has been instrumental in driving multiple agency successes, earning prestigious recognitions such as the “MEA Agency of the Decade” at Cannes Lions and multiple “Agency of the Year” titles at Dubai Lynx and MENA Effies.
Throughout his career, Patankar has delivered breakthrough work for global brands like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Harvey Nichols, Land Rover, and Colgate. His portfolio includes award-winning campaigns that have been celebrated and studied across the globe, with Patankar having served as Jury President at high-profile awards including Cannes Lions, D&AD, Andys, and ADFEST.
“We are looking forward to having Kal back in our global creative team,” said Debbi Vandeven, CCO of VML. “His extraordinary brand skills—particularly in the area of craft—are second to none. Under his creative leadership, brand building and the level of craft will flourish in India. He has a unique ability to bring humanity and creativity together to deliver solutions for clients that transcend marketing.”
Babita Baruah, CEO of VML India, also expressed her enthusiasm about Patankar’s return: “Kal’s philosophy of ‘Do good and put it out there’ perfectly aligns with VML’s vision. His pursuit of creative excellence, combined with his proven ability to build high-performing teams, makes him the ideal leader to drive our creative vision across India.”
Kal’s return to India marks a new chapter for him, as he brings a global perspective from his extensive experience in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Based out of VML’s Mumbai office, he will report to Debbi Vandeven, Global CCO of VML, and Babita Baruah, CEO of VML India. He will also work closely with Paul Nagy, APAC CCO, to continue enhancing VML’s creative reputation in the APAC region and beyond.
Reflecting on his decision to return to India, Patankar shared, “I have been considering returning to India for a long time, but I was waiting for the right moment, agency, and team to do it with. I believe that moment is now, with the team at VML. Creativity has the power to transform businesses, and I’m excited to collaborate with teams across India and APAC to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”
