Val Vanzulli joins INNOCEAN USA as VP, Group Creative Director

Joining the Hyundai North America Account, Vanzulli strives to set new creative limits for the brand by infusing fresh energy and bold ideas 

Today, award-winning independent full-service advertising agency INNOCEAN USA announces the appointment of Val Vanzulli as its VP, group creative director (GCD). Bringing 15 years of experience in creative and art direction, concepting and mentoring, Vanzulli most recently served as a creative director at BBH USA NY and Joan Creative. In her career she led projects for high-profile clients like Google, Netflix, Samsung, Chipotle and Heineken, among others. Her work has been recognized by Cannes Lions, Clios, NY Festival, Piaf, Eurobest and Epica Awards. 

As VP, group creative director, Vanzulli will be joining INNOCEAN’s Hyundai North America account. Vanzulli’s goal in her new role is to bring new energy and fresh perspectives to the agency’s work and process. Leaning into INNOCEAN’s philosophy of being an explorer, Vanzulli is looking forward to expanding the boundaries of Hyundai’s creative vision across film and other media forms — setting new creative limits within the auto category. Vanzulli will report to recently appointed executive creative director Gui Borchert. 

“INNOCEAN’s potential is electrifying,” said Vanzulli. “The team is made up of an incredible group of talented people, with different backgrounds and experiences, but with the common goal of building something special. I’m excited to get to work and begin crafting narratives for the iconic Hyundai brand, striving to create big ideas that can stand out not only in the market but also in culture.”  

Originally from Milan, Vanzulli launched her career there as an art director. Following internships at Leo Burnett and Crispin Porter + Bogusky, she joined the Publicis Milan office to work on the Heineken brand. After more than three years of crafting some of the brand’s award-winning campaigns, Vanzulli moved to Los Angeles where she continued to hold the position of art director at TBWA/Chiat/Day. Her experience at CAA Marketing, later Observatory exposed Vanzulli to a different way of approaching briefs — moving away from advertising that interrupts to content that not only feels but looks like a piece of entertainment.

“We’re excited for Val to be joining our growing Hyundai team,” said Jason Sperling, chief creative officer at INNOCEAN USA. “Her determination to create work that pushes the traditional boundaries of the industry is contagious. I’m looking forward to seeing how her conceptual thinking combined with her keen eye for art direction and design will push the brand forward.”  

Vanzulli’s appointment marks the continued expansion of INNOCEAN’s team as it comes on the heels of Gui Borchert’s appointment to executive creative director and Jeremy Asselin’s promotion to SVP, managing director on the Hyundai account. 

ABOUT INNOCEAN USA

INNOCEAN USA is an award-winning, independent full-service advertising agency that leverages our unbridled curiosity and unorthodox thinking to go beyond simply creating ads, to creating culture. For more than a decade, INNOCEAN USA has merged innovative technology with cutting-edge digital, social and experiential advertising to connect brands to the people. We are doing this with our current clients, including Hyundai Motor America, Genesis Motor America, Kia Motors, Hankook Tire, Wienerschnitzel, UC Davis Health, LG, Signature Kitchen Suite, TaylorMade Golf, Pacific Life, Toshiba Business Systems, Gravity Interactive, Model Solution, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Hyundai Cradle, Supernal, University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) and Xcient Fuel Cell.