Mergers are difficult, and last year was the first that saw VML and Y&R operating as a single, global shop. But in that first year, the newly combined agency won two Grand Prix and a Glass Lion at Cannes. A chief creative bears responsibility for all the work that leaves an agency, and the number of winners from VMLY&R on this list is testament to Vandeven’s leadership and ability to cultivate great ideas.

From Fortnite for Wendy’s to buying up a Polish porn magazine and shutting it down, the campaigns aren’t limited by the usual bounds of traditional advertising, and performing so well so soon after a huge and disruptive merger makes the accomplishment all the more impressive.