- Dan Wieden was cofounder of Wieden and Kennedy advertising agency. He died Friday at the age 77.
- Wieden is best remembered for inventing Nike’s famous “Just Do It!” tagline.
- Wieden and Kennedy is known for its offbeat culture and award-winning work for famous brands.
Dan Wieden, an advertising legend who created many iconic brand ads that won awards, has died at the age of 77. His company announced his death on Saturday.
Wieden and David Kennedy cofounded Wieden and Kennedy in Portland Oregon. Famous advertising campaigns were created by the agency for brands like Old Spice, Bud Light, McDonalds and Bud Light.
They were also known for their contribution to a sneaker company becoming one of the most well-known brands in the world. Wieden was the one who famously created Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan. It first appeared on a commercial for the brand on TV in 1988.
“Thank you Dan, thank you for opening up the doors for people to live their full potential,” Wieden and Kennedy tweeted in a post to announce his death. “We will be missing you so much.”
—Wieden+Kennedy (@WiedenKennedy) October 1, 2022
The cause of death wasn’t immediately known. Insider was provided with an obituary by the company stating that Wieden died peacefully at home in Portland, “with his wife by his side”.
Wieden and Kennedy is one of the most recognizable ad agencies around the globe. It was well-known for its innovative advertising campaigns. offbeat work cultureIt is one of the most highly-respected companies in the industry.
The agency is known for seeking unique perspectives and hiring people from outside the ad sector. Matt O’Rourke was a former creative chief at the agency. Wieden explained his approach by asking, “Why would ad people hire me?”
Wieden was a writer by heart. His intention wasn’t to create an enormous advertising agency, but to give people a place to do the best work of his life,” the obituary stated.
Wieden, who famously stated that he would never sell an agency, transferred ownership to Widen and Kennedy into trust before he passed away in an effort ensure the agency would continue its independence indefinitely.
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