VMLY&R UK Adds Marie Conley as Strategy Partner

VMLY&R UK today announced the appointment of Marie Conley, to the newly created role of strategy partner within The Pharm, the agency team dedicated to WBA. Reporting into Anna Vogt, VMLY&R’s chief strategy officer, Conley will work across both Boots UK and No7 Beauty Company, overseeing an 12 strong strategy team and driving the overall strategic vision for WBA’s UK brands. 

The new role comes in the wake of accelerated partnership growth between WBA and VMLY&R, a relationship that was recently recognised at The Oystercatchers Awards for Best Client Agency Partnership with Boots. With The Pharm delivering highly integrated, 1PD-fueled advertising, media, PR, content, social, influencer, publishing, CRM and loyalty work, the team model has helped drive seven consecutive quarters of growth for the brand. 

Comments Anna Vogt, chief strategy officer, VMLY&R UK: “Marie is a one of a kind strategist for a one of a kind client. Her ability to effortlessly connect human insight, culture and creative flair with a razor sharp focus on growth make her the perfect accomplice for Boots and No7. We’re thrilled she agreed to join us, this is a fantastic opportunity.”

Formerly head of planning at TBWA, Conley brings a wealth of expertise in creating connected brand growth – with skilful expertise across channel, data, and brand planning. She has used her hybrid experience to develop fresh, new and holistic brand re-positionings for long-established businesses such as Unilever, Rightmove, Adidas, and an entire nation for Visit Denmark.  

Prior to TBWA, Conley has led teams to create award winning work recognised at APG and Effies in categories such as Media Innovation and Best Use of Data – a testament to her ability to drive effectiveness and growth from brands across multiple capabilities.

Said Marie Conley, strategy partner, VMLY&R UK: “It’s a huge privilege to partner with Boots and No7 – they are both fabric-of-the-nation brands with a wealth of insight and crazy amount of untold stories. I also feel so lucky to be leading the very unique team at The Pharm – there is a real diversity of talent, making it incredibly special.”

Conley’s appointment is the latest in a string of newly created roles fuelled by continued growth in the UK, including Tom Moore’s promotion to Head of Commerce, the appointment of Marco Bezerra as ECD of Commerce, as well as two new Creative Director hires to focus on Coca-Cola and our government portfolio – Nick Rowland and Frances Cooke.