Frank Megale, finance director at DDB, has died after suffering a stroke last month. He was 44.
Friends and colleagues paid tribute on LinkedIn.
DDB CFO Peter Cameron: "His heartbroken family and his massed community – particularly his wife Melinda, his children Xavier & Allegra, his siblings & parents – showed incredible bravery and poise, in conveying to us the unfailing family man Frank proved himself as, at every level.
"I can just speak of Frank as a DDB man. He was a key part of the Sydney business from 2001 starting as an Accounting Assistant progressing through many finance roles, ultimately to Finance Director.
"He grafted & learned from every experience and was extremely proud of each promotion he earned along the way. From 2019 he was Finance Director at DDB Sydney & had recently switched to a bigger, growing role as DDB Group Melbourne Finance Director."
Andrew Little, President and Regional CEO, DDB Australia and New Zealand: "Frank’s DDB legacy is that he loved everyone who worked here and our clients. He cared about what we do. He wanted his beloved DDB to be the best agency in the land.
"We are going to miss him greatly. And we are going to honour his legacy."
Laura Nice, co-CEO at OMD Australia: "How sad. Thinking of Frank’s family and his DDB family too."
Izzy Crohan, Senior Marketing Manager at Are Media: "Truly one of the best people that could brighten anyone’s day. Vale ‘Uncle Frankie’."
Kate Madden, Commercial Director at Mediacom Australia: "Such sad news, I remember Frank from back in the Berry St days. Condolences to his family and friends and all his work family at DDB."
"Esther Selvanayagam, CFO - Asia at DDB: "So so sad Peter. Wishing you and everyone that knew and loved him, all the strength in the world."
Brent Annells, Chief Marketing Officer, Smart Token Labs: "Terribly sad news. Frank was a wonderful guy with a great spirit. Truly part of an extended family at DDB. Thanks for sharing Peter. Really hits home this morning."
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