VMLY&R Bolsters Creative Leadership in New York with Two Executive Creative Director Hires

VMLY&R announced today the appointment of two new creative leads for their creative department. Cinzia Crociani and Emily Sander join as executive creative directors, based in New York and reporting to VMLY&R New York chief creative officer Wayne Best.

Commenting on the hires, Best said: "We looked long and hard to find creative leaders who could bring a wide range of experiences to our creative work. We’ve found that and more in both Cinzia and Emily, and are excited to welcome them to our team.”

Cinzia Crociani has spent more than 15 years working and leading multidisciplinary teams across Europe, Asia, and North America. She joins VMLY&R most recently from, McCann New York where she led Mastercard North America, one of the agency’s top four accounts.

While working in Asia she won the first Innovation Lion for the country of Singapore and in her first year working in the United States she created an opioid awareness campaign that impacted the lives of millions and was hosted at the White House. Most recently, she helped launch “True Name” a first of its kind feature that lets Trans and Nonbinary individuals safely and proudly use the name they choose on their credit card. These are just few examples of her work, which has been consistently recognized by international award shows such as a Cannes Lions Grand Prix, and a D&AD Black Pencil.

Cinzia has worked on global and Fortune 500 brands such as P&G, Unilever, Coca-Cola, L’Oréal, IKEA, Ferrero, and Mastercard.

"I admire VMLY&R’s instinct towards innovation, the strong agency culture and the leaders behind it. It's an agency that's not afraid to dream big. I'm delighted to join this family and I can't wait to meet and work with its talented people, clients and wider network,” said Crociani.

In her new role, Crociani will focus on Campbells Snacks brands including Pepperidge Farm, Snyder’s of Hanover and more; EmblemHealth; as well as new business and support on a range of accounts across the agency’s New York office.

Emily Sander is an award-winning creative director with over 18 years of experience working across various disciplines in the advertising industry.

She most recently led Edgewell brands at MullenLowe US, guiding multiple beauty and wellness brands to global campaigns across film, social, digital and activation. Prior to this, Emily embraced the expansive world of brand storytelling at agencies such as Translation, 360i, JWT and Momentum, working on brands ranging from State Farm, McDonalds, HBO, American Express and Macy’s.  In addition, she also spent time in education as the chair of the department of advertising and branding at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

Emily is highly invested in diversity and inclusion causes, providing her voice as chair of the programming committee for the 4A’s Foundation Board and a contributor to Do the WERQ advisory council for LGBTQIA+ representation in the industry.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the team at VMLY&R. The breakthrough work that they do consistently reveals a smart, strategic, forward-thinking approach to creative that is necessary in an industry that demands innovation and change. This feels like the perfect opportunity to bring my complete background together to help mentor creatives while building full brand experiences."

In her new role, Sander will focus on Altice and New Balance accounts and new business.