About me

Ryan currently serves as the VML UK Chief Creative Officer based in London, and sits on the VML Global Creative Board. His work at the intersection of creativity, technology and culture has reshaped brands, agencies and businesses. During his tenure, VML UK ranked at number 2 at Drum and no 5 in WARC, including the WARC most awarded campaign in the UK.

Previously, in New York Ryan served as VMLY&R Chief Creative Officer North, leading WPP's largest brand Ford, and VMLY&R Miami, where he reconstituted the teams to create culturally impactful, award winning work and drive brand growth.

When in South Africa, Ryan joined NATIVE as a partner and grew it into South Africa's number 1 digital agency, which later sold to VML. He oversaw the merger of VML and Y&R to become CCO of VMLY&R South Africa, a full service integrated agency. Ryan led the agency to creative & commercial success, winning Africa's largest account Vodacom, winning Bookmarks Agency of the Year twice, winning Cannes Entertainment Agency of the Year and placing the agency at #3 on WARC Creative Rankings.

Previously, Ryan has worked at agencies including JWT, FCB, Serviceplan, We Are Pi, Euro RSCG, 180, and started several of his own ventures. In Amsterdam, Ryan co-founded The Soon Institute - a company focused on prototyping the futures of brands. He also co-founded Join the Pipe, a water sustainability NGO that won Best New Initiative from UNICEF. Ryan also co-founded BROTHERS, a film production company, becoming an award-winning writer and director, creating branded content, music videos, commercials and long form documentary. Ryan also co-founded Groundswell, a small boutique brand builder, and startup advisor.

Ryan's work has won hundreds of awards, including Cannes Lions, D&AD, NYF, One Show, ADC, Loeries, all of which he has judged at. Ryan was listed in Mail & Guardians Top 200, The Media Magazine's Top 40 under 40, speaks at industry leading events, and was invited to sit on the Creative Circle EXCO Board.

Outside of work, Ryan loves spending time with his 3 daughters, surfing, and travelling to places he can be barefoot.