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VP of AI

Austin, Texas, United States

About VML MAP Agentic Labs:

Here at VML, we are continually investing in the future. For the last year, we have been building VML MAP Agentic Labs; a four-pronged approach (Design, Development, Research, Tooling) to designing and building towards an Agentic future for ourselves and for our clients. Our mission is to enable organizational transformation through humanized-AI that empowers people, enhances decision-making, and fundamentally redefines the way brands engage with customers. We leverage a North Star framework, opportunity canvases, and a product-based approach to deliver tangible value through scalable Agentic AI solutions.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a visionary and results-oriented VP to establish and lead our Agentic AI Practice in the US. This pivotal role will be responsible for driving the identification, development, and delivery of cutting-edge Agentic AI solutions for our diverse client base. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of Agentic AI technologies and their practical application to complex business challenges. You will be instrumental in evangelizing our Agentic AI offerings, building strong client relationships, and collaborating across VML and the wider WPP network to deliver transformative, scalable AI solutions. This is an opportunity to shape the future of AI for leading brands, building on the strong foundation and innovative work originating from our global labs.

Key Responsibilities:

US Practice Leadership & Strategy:

  • Develop and execute the go-to-market strategy for VML MAP Agentic Labs in the US, aligning with global objectives.
  • Establish the Agentic AI practice as a center of excellence within the US market, driving innovation and thought leadership.
  • Champion VML MAP’s unique Agentic AI frameworks, methodologies (e.g., North Star, Opportunity Canvases, triple diamond), and product-based delivery approach.
  • Spearhead the growth of the US Agentic AI team by identifying talent needs, leading recruitment efforts, and cultivating a high-performance, outcome focussed and learning-oriented culture.

Client Engagement & Opportunity Identification:

  • Proactively identify and cultivate high-impact Agentic AI opportunities within existing and prospective US clients.
  • Lead client workshops and executive briefings (e.g., "Agentic AI Opportunity Identification" engagements) to uncover needs and articulate the value of Agentic AI.
  • Translate complex client challenges into feasible, viable, and deliverable Agentic AI solutions, defining clear North Stars and roadmaps.
  • Develop compelling proposals, statements of work (SOWs), and presentations that showcase our Agentic AI capabilities and value proposition.

Solution Delivery & Excellence:

  • Oversee the successful delivery of Agentic AI projects, from pilot programs to full-scale implementations.
  • Ensure solutions are designed for scalability, long-term adoption, and integrate seamlessly with human+AI workflows.
  • Collaborate with Agentic Design, Development, Research, and Tooling lab functions (globally and locally as the team grows) to ensure best-in-class delivery.
  • Champion a product-centric approach to building and iterating on Agentic solutions.

Collaboration & Network Building:

  • Partner closely with VML Client Partners, capability leads (e.g., Data, Tech, Strategy, CX), and other WPP entities to identify synergistic opportunities and drive integrated solutions.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key client stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor on Agentic AI.
  • Liaise with the global Agentic Labs team (Copenhagen) to share knowledge, leverage existing assets, and contribute to global innovation.

Innovation & Thought Leadership:

  • Stay at the forefront of Agentic AI advancements, including multi-agent systems, agentic frameworks, foundation models, and ethical AI practices.
  • Contribute to the development of VML MAP’s intellectual property, case studies and industry viewpoints in Agentic AI.
  • Represent VML MAP at industry events and conferences.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Proven experience (10+ years) in a senior role within AI, data science, or technology consulting, with a significant focus on client-facing engagement and solution delivery.
  • Demonstrable experience (3-5+ years) specifically in designing, evangelizing, and delivering AI solutions, with recent hands-on or direct oversight of agent-based or multi-agent systems.
  • Deep understanding of Agentic AI concepts, architectures, common frameworks, and the practical challenges of implementing them in enterprise environments.
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business value and strategic imperatives for C-suite audiences.
  • Proven track record of identifying and closing significant business opportunities related to AI or advanced technology solutions.
  • Experience leading discovery workshops, requirements gathering, and developing strategic roadmaps for technology implementation.
  • Exceptional communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups.
  • Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial spirit, capable of building a practice and driving growth in a new market.
  • Familiarity with product management principles and agile development methodologies.
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, AI, Data Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working within a large agency, consultancy, or technology services or similar global network.
  • Established network of contacts within relevant industries in the US market.
  • Experience in marketing, customer experience (CX), or advertising technology.
  • Understanding of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and their AI/ML offerings.
  • Contributions to thought leadership in the AI space (publications, speaking engagements).

What We Offer:

A unique opportunity to lead and shape a cutting-edge Agentic AI practice in the US for a globally recognized leader.

The chance to work on transformative projects for world-class brands, going beyond traditional AI applications.

A collaborative, innovative, and forward-thinking work environment at the forefront of Agentic AI advancements.

Access to a global network of experts and resources within VML and WPP.

Opportunities for significant professional growth and career advancement.

 

A leader in personalized customer experiences

VML MAP is a world-leading Centre of Excellence that helps businesses humanize the relationship between the brand and the customer through hyper personalization at scale, marketing automation and CRM. With the brain of a consultancy, the heart of an agency and the power of technology and data, we work with some of the world's most admired brands to help them on their transformation journey to becoming truly customer-centric. Together, we are 1000 + technology specialists, data scientists, strategic thinkers, consultants, operations experts, and creative minds from 55+ nationalities.

A global network

We are part of the global VML network that encompasses more than 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 60+ markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. 

#LI-EMEA

WPP (VML MAP) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers. 

For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML MAP on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

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