VMLY&R announced the promotion of Rafael Pitanguy to deputy global CCO. In this newly created role, he will be based in New York and work directly with global CCO Debbi Vandeven. As a primary responsibility for VMLY&R, Pitanguy will lead creative for key client account Coca-Cola. In addition, he will continue to look after creative for the agency’s Brazilian market on key accounts.

“Rafa has been celebrated on the most respected global stages for his ability to push our agency and brands to do high-impact, positive work for both business and the world. This promotion is a testament to the leadership and creative vision he brings to everything he does, and we’re thrilled to celebrate his continued growth with VMLY&R,” said Vandeven.

With a career spanning more than 20 years, Rafael Pitanguy arrived at VMLY&R (then Y&R) in 2016 and has since transformed the agency into one of the foremost creative agencies in Brazil and worldwide. VMLY&R Brazil was named Cannes Lions Agency of the Year for two consecutive years, in the tracks For Good (2021) and Entertainment (2022).

Earlier this year, Pitanguy received top honors for the agency’s work with Greenpeace Brazil in “Los Santos +3ºC,” imagining a climate-impacted Grand Theft Auto. In 2021, Pitanguy took home Brazil’s first-ever Glass Grand Prix for Starbucks’ “I Am.” VMLY&R Brazil was also named Agency of the Year at Effie Brazil and won the Grand Effie, the Professionals of the Year at Rede Globo, the GP of the Creation Club (Black Star) and the YouTube Works. Meio & Mensagem named Pitanguy among the 10 Communication Professionals of the Year for this work, as well as his advocacy and work on diversity initiatives within the agency.