Talent.com
Group Account Director (Tobacco)
Group Account Director (Tobacco)VML • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Group Account Director (Tobacco)

Group Account Director (Tobacco)

VML • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
22 days ago
Job description

Who We Are :

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

JOB SUMMARY

Are you a seasoned agency leader ready to drive significant client success and shape our strategic direction? We are thrilled to announce three immediate openings for Group Account Directors to join our rapidly expanding team.

The Group Account Director plays a leadership role overseeing a multi-market, dark-marketing business portfolio with strong growth ambitions across the account. Acting as second-in-command to the Business Unit Head, this role is accountable for both the strategic direction and commercial growth of the portfolio, while championing people-first leadership and operational excellence. GAD will collaborate closely with multiple internal & external stakeholders to broaden and future-proof the business offering, deepen client trust, and elevate standards of work across the ecosystem.

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. Business expansion & CX growth

  • Shape and grow CX as a new strategic business pillar within the portfolio.
  • Partner with the Business Unit Head to architect portfolio growth, expanding upstream into business design, data-driven CX strategy and expand current market opportunities.
  • Develop operational & commercial roadmaps that future-proof the client relationship beyond just business-as-usual tasks & campaigns.
  • Translate emerging signals into revenue opportunities before they become briefs.

2. Strategic client leadership

  • Serve as senior counsel to C-level and transformation stakeholders, influencing both marketing and broader enterprise strategy.
  • Challenge constructively, advocate for progress, and elevate the agency into the role of trusted long-term partner.
  • Navigate a dark-marketing environment with high confidentiality, low visibility and high strategic importance.
  • 3. Commercial & operational ownership

  • Oversee revenue forecasting, profitability, pricing and scope including QA & QC governance.
  • Continuously refine ways of working to increase clarity, flow and velocity.
  • Partner with internal stakeholder leads across multiple team disciplines to strengthen operating models as the account scales.
  • Pre-empt risk and maintain trust through strong stakeholder alignment.
  • 4. Talent & team leadership

  • Develop and mentor future leaders; instill EQ, strategic opinions and sharpness QA & QC.
  • Model "people-first" leadership that protects both growth and wellbeing.
  • Create a reputation for a high-performing, respected team.
  • Lead by influence, not title, taking the room without forcing it.
  • 5. Reputation, craft & excellence

  • Uphold the highest standard of craft across creative, strategic, experience and operational delivery.
  • Ensure the business shows up as "best in class" in every interaction, internally and externally.
  • Protect the agency's brand and reputation through quality, integrity and composure.
  • WHO THIS ROLE IS FOR

  • A business builder, not just an account custodian. Think in terms of growth, long-term value creation and portfolio evolution.
  • A natural second-in-command, confident partnering closely with the Business Unit Head and stepping in to lead the business when needed.
  • A people-first leader who builds trust, capability and empathy, while upholding high performance and craft standards.
  • Fluent in CX, seeing it as a revenue and relationship growth frontier.
  • Comfortable operating upstream with senior clients, shaping thinking and influencing decisions before briefs are issued.
  • Commercially sharp, with strong instinct for whitespace, opportunity spotting and early-stage growth conversations.
  • Calm, composed and decisive in fast-moving environments. Able to bring clarity in momentum and maturity in pressure moments.
  • Motivated by building a team's legacy and reputation, not just delivering work.
  • Respected for executive presence with poise. Earn the room through maturity, judgement and character.
  • We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

    WPP (VML) 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.

    VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

    #J-18808-Ljbffr

    Create a job alert for this search

    Director • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Related jobs
    Remote Global Key Accounts Director – Semiconductor Equipment

    Remote Global Key Accounts Director – Semiconductor Equipment

    Celestica Inc. • Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
    A leading global technology company is seeking a Senior Manager / Director for Key Account Management & Business Development in Malaysia. The successful candidate will oversee key projects, manage d...Show more
    Last updated: 9 days ago • Promoted
    Business Director

    Business Director

    Publicis Groupe • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    The Group Account Director / Brand Director is responsible for contributing to the achievement of business plan objectives by the effective management of the provision of quality communication strate...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Junior Associate Director, Private Equity (Strong Accounting Background)

    Junior Associate Director, Private Equity (Strong Accounting Background)

    MUFG Investor Services • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Junior Associate Director, Private Equity (Strong Accounting Background).MUFG Investor Services provides asset servicing solutions to the global investment management industry.Leveraging the financ...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Regional Sales Director — Chemical Solutions & Key Accounts

    Regional Sales Director — Chemical Solutions & Key Accounts

    Mason & Co • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    A leading chemical industry firm is seeking a Regional Sales Director to drive market penetration and cultivate major accounts. The ideal candidate will have over 14 years of B2B sales experience, s...Show more
    Last updated: 6 days ago • Promoted
    Business Director

    Business Director

    Publicis Groupe ANZ • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    The Group Account Director / Brand Director is responsible for contributing to the achievement of business plan objectives by the effective management of the provision of quality communication strate...Show more
    Last updated: 23 days ago • Promoted
    Director / Associate Director, Business Development

    Director / Associate Director, Business Development

    NielsenIQ • Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
    At NIQ, our obsession in helping our clients to grow through a comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior leveraging on the ongoing innovation in technology is what motivates us.Our work help...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Junior Associate Director, Private Equity (Evening Shift)

    Junior Associate Director, Private Equity (Evening Shift)

    MUFG Investor Services • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Junior Associate Director, Private Equity (Evening Shift).Be among the first 25 applicants.Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Experience something Brilliantly Different w...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Business Director

    Business Director

    Publicisgroupe • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    The Group Account Director / Brand Director is responsible for contributing to the achievement of business plan objectives by the effective management of the provision of quality communication strate...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Strategic Sales Director for Major Accounts & Growth

    Strategic Sales Director for Major Accounts & Growth

    Concentrix • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    A leading outsourcing and consulting firm in Kuala Lumpur seeks an experienced Associate Director for Sales and Account Management. You will lead client relations, develop strategic plans, and drive...Show more
    Last updated: 6 days ago • Promoted
    Associate Director - Sales and Account Management

    Associate Director - Sales and Account Management

    Concentrix • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Associate Director - Sales and Account Management.Concentrix – Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Direct message the job poster from Concentrix. Build and maintain strong, long‑lasting exis...Show more
    Last updated: 6 days ago • Promoted
    Director, Markets Client Onboarding

    Director, Markets Client Onboarding

    Standard Chartered • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Director, Markets Client Onboarding.The individual will be responsible for managing a team of Onboarding analysts, ensuring the smooth and efficient onboarding of new clients in Markets.A strong ba...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Account Director

    Account Director

    Ciena Corporation • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Ciena is expanding in the ASEAN region and this position is to lead sales for the strategic telco accounts and channel partners in Malaysia. A good candidate should have track records in breaking in...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Group Account Director : Multi-Market CX Growth Leader

    Group Account Director : Multi-Market CX Growth Leader

    Wunderman Thompson • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    A global marketing agency in Kuala Lumpur is seeking a seasoned Group Account Director to drive client success and strategic direction across multiple markets. This leadership role requires a focus ...Show more
    Last updated: 9 days ago • Promoted
    Business Director

    Business Director

    UNAVAILABLE • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    The Group Account Director / Brand Director is responsible for contributing to the achievement of business plan objectives by the effective management of the provision of quality communication strate...Show more
    Last updated: 22 days ago • Promoted
    Group Account Director (Tobacco)

    Group Account Director (Tobacco)

    Wunderman Thompson • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world.Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ig...Show more
    Last updated: 9 days ago • Promoted
    APAC Partner Growth Director

    APAC Partner Growth Director

    International Workplace Group plc • Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
    A global workspace solutions provider seeks a Head of Partner Management to drive partner account growth across the APAC region. This director-level position involves managing relationships and ensu...Show more
    Last updated: 2 days ago • Promoted
    Junior Associate Director / Associate Director, Fund Accountant (Real Estates)

    Junior Associate Director / Associate Director, Fund Accountant (Real Estates)

    MUFG Investor Services • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Junior Associate Director / Associate Director, Fund Accountant (Real Estates).About MUFG Investor Services : MUFG Investor Services is a trusted partner to many of the world’s largest public and priv...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Junior Associate Director, Private Equity (Strong Accounting Background)

    Junior Associate Director, Private Equity (Strong Accounting Background)

    Mufg Investorservices • Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Junior Associate Director, Private Equity (Strong Accounting Background).Employment Type : Permanent Full Time.MUFG Investor Services provides asset servicing solutions to the global investment mana...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted