David Abbott Dies at 75

David Abbott, co-founder of agency Abbott Mead Vickers and one of the most respected names in advertising has passed away at the age of 75.

Starting his career as a copywriter at Mather & Crowther, Abbott soon earned a role as creative director at DDB London in 1967, having previously made a name for himself at the agency’s New York office. It was at DDB London that he teamed up with Adrian Vickers (whom he had known from his time at Oxford University) and Peter Mead and the three would launch AMV a year later in 1977.

The company became part of the BBDO network in 1991 and has been the UK’s biggest ad agency since 1997. Abbott is especially known for his work for Volvo, Sainsbury’s and the iconic J.R.Hartley ad for Yellow Pages.

In 1998 the creative chief stepped down from his role and handed creative control of the agency over to Peter Souter.

It’s understood that Abbott passed away suddenly on Saturday (17 May) and it is expected that D&AD will pay tribute to the creative icon at its awards ceremony this Thursday 22 May.

Abbott was married with four children and eight grandchildren. A message has been posted on the AMV BBDO website paying tribute to his life and work. Droga5 has been quick to pay its respect with the below mock up of Abbott's iconic ad for The Economist (above). Peter Mead has also paid tribute to his friend and colleague.