Media agency independent pioneer Dennis Merchant, an inductee into the Advertising Hall of Fame, has died. He was 82.
Merchant started the first independent media buying company in Australia in 1974.
He had been in major agencies for 16 years, much of that time in media departments of agencies such as Jackson Wain and Young & Rubicam.
When he left Y&R he set up a consultancy that could, in effect, be the full-time media department of agencies that couldn't afford one.
Merchant retired as executive chairman of Merchant & Partners in March 1999.
He was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1995 for services to “advertising and the community”.
"Dennis Merchant was the pioneer of media agencies," said John Steadman, a former chair and CEO of GroupM. "Today's media agencies have a lot to thank him for.
"An industry leader in the 70s/80s and 90’s. Well liked, respected, and trusted by clients and media owners alike. He will also be remembered for his tireless effort in supporting and raising funds for Bear Cottage. Vale Dennis Merchant."
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.