Providing Great Culture Produces Great Results

The Presidents' Forum of Kansas City
May 07, 2008

Matt Anthony
CEO
VML, Inc.

Speaker Biography:
Matt Anthony is the driving force behind VML's amazing growth and enduring success. In 1995, when Matt joined the small Kansas City-based agency as its fourth partner, VML had one major client and fewer than 10 employees. Since then, the one-time traditional shop has emerged as one of the most important interactive marketing agencies operating today.

With more than 750 employees on three continents, the VML Digital Network provides industry leading work for some of the world's most recognized and respected brands, including adidas, Bayer, Burger King, Cadbury Schweppes, Colgate-Palmolive, Ernst & Young, Ford, Microsoft, Motorola, Sprint Nextel, Vanguard and Xerox – to name just a few.

Matt's direct influence on VML's steady expansion has been evident every step of the way. With a deep background in traditional advertising, as well as experience in promotions and media relations, Matt didn't hesitate to explore interactive possibilities during the infancy of the internet. Matt and his core leadership team – most of who have worked at the agency for ten years or longer – transformed VML into a digital marketing force.

In 2001, Matt guided VML's decision to join the WPP Group of leading communication agencies. The result has been unprecedented expansion for VML. As he predicted, WPP network opportunities not only led to exciting new partner projects, they also strengthened VML direct client relationships.

Throughout his career, Matt has been a tireless supporter of philanthropic endeavors and community causes. In memory of his brother Chris, who suffered from a Glioblastoma brain tumor and died in 2003 at the age of 37, Matt and his family established the Head for the Cure Foundation to raise awareness and funding for brain cancer research. The annual highlight is the Head for the Cure 5K Run & Walk held each September; proceeds from the event help fund the Brain Tumor Trials Collaborative (BTTC).

Matt is also the motivating energy behind the VML Foundation, which manages the agency's extensive community outreach program, including direct funding, employee volunteerism, and pro bono work for charitable organizations. Currently, more than 60 percent of all VMLers are active members of the VML Foundation. Additionally, employees are provided two paid days to volunteer at the not-for-profit of their choice; once a year, on VML Foundation Day, the entire company joins forces in support of a single cause.

A native Nebraskan, Matt played intercollegiate soccer at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Communications in 1981. He currently serves on Benedictine's executive board. Away from the office, Matt spends time with his wife Ann and their three children, Danny, Mary and Steven.

Matt holds various leadership roles within WPP and its strategic planning groups, as well as volunteer board positions with AAAA (American Association of Advertising Agencies), American Cancer Society's Chairman Circle, Catholic Charities, Catholic Education Foundation, Council on Foreign Relations, Head for the Cure Foundation and VML Foundation.

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