WPP’s VML is retaining its United States Marine Corps account following a review mandated by the government that began earlier this year. The new contract is worth $1.9 billion over 10 years.

The account will be serviced by a bespoke team called Thompson. Wunderman Thompson held the account prior to its merger with VMLY&R last year, when the agency was renamed VML.

The 200-peson team is named after James Walter Thompson, the advertising legend who also served in the Marine Corps. Wunderman Thompson had held the account for 77 years, according to a statement by WPP.

Thompson will work with The Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) Advertising Program, which focuses on brand awareness, lead generation and recruiter support. The goal of that program is to recruit approximately 40,000 personnel every year.

In 2021, VML retained a five-year contract with the U.S. Navy.