Former Khemistry GM Jo Millington joins VML in newly-created Managing Partner role in Brisbane

VML has announced today that Jo Millington (left) has rejoined the agency’s Brisbane office as Managing Partner. In the newly created role, she will work alongside VML Brisbane and Perth Managing Director Adam Kennedy (right) and key leaders to further propel the growth and success of the agency and its client partners.

Millington, who served as the Client Service Director at VML Brisbane from 2017 to 2022, has already built strong relationships with many of the agency’s key clients in Queensland. In her new role, she will once again partner with the agency’s clients, while also leading key initiatives in Brisbane, as the agency enters its second year as VML.

Millington brings a wealth of experience from her previous positions, including Head of Brand for Griffith University and, most recently, as General Manager of Khemistry where she successfully led operations for two and a half years. Her time there was marked by significant achievements, with a core focus on behaviour change projects, attracting new talent, and enhancing the agency’s profile. Under Millington’s leadership, the agency was recognised as Campaign Brief’s #7 Small Agency of the Year 2024.

Says Kennedy: “Everyone that’s met Jo, knows she’s a force of nature. She’s an energiser, problem solver and truth teller that loves partnering with clients to create breakthrough work. In recruiting for this role, we met some amazing national and international candidates, but Jo was the perfect choice to help lead the agency into the future. Along with the wider Brisbane leadership, we make a ripping team and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

Says Millington: “I am thrilled to return to VML as Managing Partner in this exciting new chapter. My time at VML was always very special to me and I loved working with Adam and the team. This new role offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the agency’s vision alongside Adam, and it feels like the perfect moment to rejoin”

Says Thomas Tearle, CEO, VML AUNZ: “Jo’s a natural fit to lead our business in Brisbane with Adam. We believe in her as a leader. She knows how to create the right culture for creativity to flourish, partners beautifully with our clients and has a proven track record in delivering growth across VML’s capability set – from brand to CX to commerce. I’m so happy to have her back on the team and believe the combination of Jo, Adam, Andrew Kolb (Head of Strategy) and Stu Turner (Group ECD) is going to be a formidable line up.”