Ellie Bamford is Chief Strategy Officer at VML, Australian, New Yorker, and Ad Age’s Media Person of the Year. A global agency leader, Ellie helps brands build bigger futures by articulating powerful strategies and creative vision. Throughout her career she's delivered award-winning work for Nike, Samsung, Pepsi, Uber, Spotify, Sephora, Nestle, Rockstar Games, American Express, and more.

Currently, Ellie leads strategy across North America for VML, one of the world's most awarded marketing agencies. Her focus is on leveraging new tech, AI advancements, plus human power to create iconic brands and experiences that empower people and drive business growth.

Before VML, Ellie was the Global Head of Media and Connections at R/GA. Under her leadership, she unlocked unexpected creative innovation with Reddit’s Cannes Lion Grand Prix winning 5 Second Super Bowl hack and Sephora Black Beauty. She's a frequent industry Jury member and Chair, serving the Clios, Cannes Lions, The Young Lions, Effies, Webby Awards, and D&AD. As an opinion leader, she's been featured in The New York Times, AdAge, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Vogue, AdWeek, and as a speaker at Cannes Lions, Advertising Week, Contagious, and DMEXCO.