VML Group ECD Stu Turner exits after two years

Award-winning creative leader Stu Turner has announced his departure from VML, where he held the role of Group Executive Creative Director across all Australian offices including Perth.

Turner joined Wunderman Thompson Australia (now VML) just over two years ago in the role of national ECD. In June last year, his remit expanded to include creative leadership of both VML Perth and Brisbane. Before that, he served as ECD of Edge following four years as National ECD at The Royals across its Melbourne and Sydney offices following a stint as ECD at VML in his hometown of Cape Town, South Africa. Prior to VML, Turner was group ECD at DDB Melbourne Group, and before that ECD at Havas  Sydney.

Announcing his departure on LinkedIn, Turner wrote: “As I finished up at VML last week, I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone that made that agency experience one to cherish. Great people, modern ways of working, an unwavering belief in creativity, and the space to be who I am. Thank you to all the great humans there, particularly the crew in Brissie and Perth. You all made me better, and ironically gave me the belief in myself to go on my own. More on that soon.

“Too many people to shoutout but thanks particularly to Paul Nagy [CCO, VML Group APAC] and Adam Kennedy [MD, VML Brisbane and Perth] for the support and belief.”

Turner’s work has received international recognition, picking up more than 100 local and international awards including multiple Grand Prix at Cannes and Spikes, as well as top honours at D&AD. He helped create and lead well-renowned campaigns such as The Riderless Bike, Ikea Rent, The Bottom 100 and The Palau Pledge and several Effie’s – including the Grand Effie for his work for the Australian Defence Force. And also has more than 3.5 million views on TikTok which is what his kids are most proud of him for.