Sandy Gerelli, a respected industry figure known for her boundless passion as a media director, died early this month after a short illness.
She had a 40-year career in advertising starting at Coudrey Dailey, which was later acquired by Young & Rubicam.
The first account she worked on was NRMA Insurance to help in the launch of the “Happy Joe Happy” campaign. She then moved on to work on the re-launch of KFC in 1984.
Sandy worked at other agencies including Merchant and Partners, Lintas, John Singleton, AIS Media, Starcom and Essence Media.
While at Lintas she worked on Unilever brands as well as Johnson and Johnson brands. Her favourite client was the Accor Hotel Group, reflecting her love of travel.
Colleagues say she was a great mentor both to people she worked with as well as sales reps she dealt with from all media outlets.
Sandy felt in later years that as she had an incredible career and loved it and it was now time to help others
She loved the whole advertising media business insisting to others that you should always support clients by buying brand names not home brands at the supermarket.
The following is from the self-described @Ex Starcom/AIS gals:
"Sandy was fiercely protective, motivating with an irresistible passion for life and current issues. She taught us to not take things too seriously, enjoy the moment, see through the bullshit and just do you.
"Her sage advice, paired with high heels, champagne and her infectious laugh will be her lasting legacy!
"Sandy was always well respected, resilient and professional and was never afraid to go against the tide to lead and champion for women to succeed in our industry. She made time for everyone, way before the open door policy was even a thing. She really is one of the unsung heroes in our industry.
"Beyond professional, she became a mentor and friend, and she leaves a big hole in our lives!"
Andrew Kluver, owner and managing director at Phenix Industries: “Sandy was a bright, incredibly intelligent, well informed lady with a brilliant understanding of the media landscape, the social fabric of society all of which contributed to that which made her a great media strategist and media all rounder, Sandy's personal, bubbly and vivacious personality will truly be missed.”
News Corp managing director Lou Barrett: ”Sandy was always such a sweet person, she would always treat sales people with the utmost respect, she was honest and fair and had the best interest of her clients at heart always. The media industry was a lot brighter for having Sandy’s presence and professionalism.”
Bernadette Boyd, principal, BMB Media: “I knew Sandy for many years in the industry. Although I never had the pleasure of working directly with Sandy her reputation in the media was well known. People who did work with her and the media said she was a fierce negotiator and excellent strategist. Sandy was a person who was never afraid to speak her mind and who had the respect of her peers, clients and media alike.”
Mindy Lee, business director, The Media Store: "Sandy was the ultimate professional and travelling companion. We enjoyed exceptional opportunities including the privilege of attending the Starcom Fuel Awards in Miami in recognition of our work for SBS and conference in Uluru. Her passion helped realise the first product integration on The Block for Panasonic among many other client achievements."
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