Advertising industry veteran and Wieden+Kennedy co-founder, David Kennedy, passes away at 82 years old.
Obituary: David Kennedy, Co-Founder of Iconic Advertising Agency Wieden+Kennedy, Passes Away at 82
David Kennedy, one of the co-founders of the renowned advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy, passed away on Sunday at the age of 82. Born on May 31, 1939, in Kansas, Kennedy grew up in the oil fields of Oklahoma, Colorado, and other states along the eastern front range of the Rockies.
Kennedy began his career in advertising as a designer and art director in Chicago before moving to Portland, Ore., to work at McCann-Erickson. It was in Portland where he met Dan Wieden, and together they founded Wieden+Kennedy in 1982, on April Fools' Day.
The agency, which rose to prominence with Nike as its first major client, is known for its independent spirit and for taking creative risks. These attributes led to its success in winning awards such as Cannes' Advertiser of the Year for Nike and producing influential campaigns that have become part of popular culture.
Kennedy and Wieden are best known for creating the iconic Nike slogan "Just Do It" in 1988, which was inspired by the last words of a death row inmate. This slogan helped transform Nike from a struggling brand to a global leader in sportswear within a decade, significantly increasing Nike's market share and sales worldwide.
Beyond Nike, Wieden+Kennedy went on to craft campaigns for other major brands like Coca-Cola and Old Spice, emphasizing innovative storytelling and daring ideas. The "Just Do It" campaign marked a pivotal moment, setting a standard for creative and culturally resonant advertising.
Kennedy's passing will be deeply felt within the advertising industry, where he was a highly respected figure. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of creative professionals.
[1] "Nike's 'Just Do It' Campaign: The Story Behind the Iconic Slogan." Adweek. [Online]. Available: https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/nikes-just-do-it-campaign-the-story-behind-the-iconic-slogan/
[3] "Wieden+Kennedy: The Ad Agency That Took Creative Risks and Won Big." Forbes. [Online]. Available: https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanmccarthy/2016/05/20/wieden-kennedy-the-ad-agency-that-took-creative-risks-and-won-big/?sh=693202756a5c
[4] "The 10 Best Ad Campaigns of All Time." Time. [Online]. Available: https://time.com/4168768/best-ad-campaigns-all-time/
[5] "The Making of Nike's 'Just Do It' Campaign." The New York Times. [Online]. Available: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/25/sports/just-do-it-nike-campaign-advertising.html
Celebrity David Kennedy, co-founder of the acclaimed advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy, played a significant role in shaping popular culture, most notably with the creation of Nike's "Just Do It" campaign, which turned the brand into a globally recognized sportswear leader. His innovative advertising methods and independent spirit, which garnered awards like Cannes' Advertiser of the Year for Nike, will continue to influence entertainment and advertising industries going forward.
