Rafael Pitanguy, Deputy Global Chief Creative Officer, VML

I am currently based in New York and working as Deputy Global CCO at VML and Creative Lead for the Coca-Cola Company

As the former CCO of VMLYR São Paulo, Rafael Pitanguy led the agency to the unprecedented recognition for two consecutive years as Track Agency at the Cannes Lions Festival. Among the winning work responsible for this achievement is the Starbucks I AM project, winner of the first Glass Grand Prix for Latin America.

Before that he served at Africa DDB for 7 years, as Creative Vice President. Throughout these years, the agency was elected International Agency of the Year by Advertising Age.

With Chilean and Brazilian Nationality, Rafa has lived in Europe, Latin America and in the U.S. working for clients such as Coca-Cola, AB InBev, VISA, Mitsubishi, Honda, Telefônica and more.

Besides advertising he’s passionate about scriptwriting, having worked for Paramount Pictures on many different projects. The feature Film “Ponte Aerea” which he co-wrote with the acclaimed director Julia Rezende was pre-selected by the Sundance Festival. In 2024, “Evidências do amor”, a romantic comedy starring two of Brazil’s biggest celebrities, Fabio Porchat and Sandy Leah, will be officially launched.

With over 200 recognitions from Cannes Lions, including a Grand Prix and 12 golds, pencils at D&AD and One Show, Rafa has also participated as panelist and speaker and some of the most prestigious advertising festivals and events. Including two major Cannes Lions Talks: “You Belong” with super model Valentina Sampaio and Claudia Malaguerra, managing director of Starbucks and “Hear and be Heard” with Academy and Grammy Award winner Jon Batiste, Kyla Jacobs, Global Category Lead for Coca-Cola and Joshua Burke, head of Global Music for Coca-Cola.

Holding two bachelor’s degrees, one in Advertising and one in Literature Rafa’s biggest aspiration is to be recognized as the Best Dad in the World by his 3 and his 6 years old kids.