VMLY&R COMMERCE UK, WPP’s creative commerce agency, has won the much-coveted award of Diversity & Inclusion Company of the Year at the prestigious 2021 Drum Awards for Digital Industries – effectiveness awards for the global digital industry.
Explained Lynn Lester, managing director, The Drum Events: “VMLY&R COMMERCE UK has taken an approach to diversity that focuses on delivery of a future workplace that is right for the world it will soon operate in. It brings intelligent, effective, and thoughtful practices to the industry with consistent momentum. Congratulations to the whole team."
Commented Michelle Whelan, CEO VMLY&R COMMERCE UK: “Being business future-fit isn’t simply about new technology, proprietary data, and bringing new products and services to market. It’s also about understanding and reflecting the communities where our clients engage and serve – and diversity of our people is central to success.”
This is the latest in a series of awards landed by the UK agency which include: Outstanding Employer 2020 Ethnicity Awards; Empower/Yahoo Finance Minority Role Model 2021 + 2020 [Debbie Ellison]; Top Inspirational Leader 2021 Ethnicity Awards 2021 [Debbie Ellison].
Further recognition for VMLY&R COMMERCE UK came when the UK led global campaign [in partnership with Hogarth Worldwide + Gramercy Park Studios/Social Labs/BCW PR] for World Women’s foundation’s highly acclaimed World Woman Hour landed Most Effective Use of Video. It was also highly recommended in the Not for Profit category, and, named a Grand Prix nominee.
Michelle Whelan continued: “I could not be prouder of this wonderful recognition of the entire agency, our clients and our partners. We’re making good strides in our D&I journey thanks to Debbie Ellison’s leadership. Added to that, we’ve won industry respect for World Women’s Hour, with a remarkable strong showing across our global network. My huge congratulations to everyone involved.”
VMLY&R COMMERCE global success
The global network picked up a raft of awards – in total three wins, three highly commended, one Grand Prix nomination and 17 shortlist nominations across categories including: retail, travel/leisure & tourism, consumer products/services, not for profit, most effective use of video [craft], best response to change, automotive/transportation, best digital brand experience, most effective use of social media, best use of AR and VR.
WINNERS
· Elena’s Heartbreak Ice Cream by VMLY&R COMMERCE Mexico & North America (Retail)
· World Woman Hour by VMLY&R COMMERCE UK (Most Effective Use of Video) in partnership with Hogarth Worldwide + Gramercy Park Studios/Social Labs/BCW PR
· Diversity & Inclusion Company of the Year VMLY&R COMMERCE UK
HIGHLY COMMENDED
· World Woman Hour by VMLY&R COMMERCE UK (Not for Profit)
· 'Save Your Destination’ for Flybondi by VMLY&R COMMERCE Argentina (Travel/Leisure/Tourism/Sport)
· Elena’s Heartbreak Ice Cream VMLY&R COMMERCE Mexico & North America (Consumer Products or Services)
“This is a big moment for us as an agency,” concluded Beth Ann Kaminkow, Global CEO VMLY&R COMMERCE. “This recognition further validates our journey to elevate the role of technology and data in delivering exceptional commerce experiences."
She went on to share: “Having the right talent and capability mix is critical to this success. The efforts in the UK to elevate the representation of diverse voices and perspectives across all areas of our businesses will enable continued growth locally, and as we scale this model across the world. Congratulations to everyone at VMLY&R COMMERCE for elevating the delivery of creativity and excellence every day.”