I met Leah while I was working. Advantage Magazine many years ago at a conference held at some forest lodge. I remember him telling an entertaining story with a glass of red wine in one hand and a cigarette in the other (we’re talking years ago).
Years later, I met Leahy again when she was a jury member for the 2016 AdFocus Awards. It was here that I came to know about Astute Adman and why he is so successful in his chosen career.
The White House
Lee began his creative career at Ogilvy SA, eventually becoming Group Managing Director of Ogilvy SA in 2000. Five years later he became chairman and chief executive of Ogilvy UK. He was also president of the European Advertising Association.
In the 80s he founded one of the most popular shops in the country, The White House and Public Image in Australia (and later acquired by TBWA), which was eventually bought by DDB.
Mike Abel, CEO of M&C Saatchi Abel SA, said in a tribute to Leigh: “His young agency White House DDB in the late 80s and early 90s was an incredibly unique and magical place.
In a tribute to Leah on Facebook, Derek Craig describes what the White House was like for the people who worked there. “… Out of the blue, while I was at JWT, you attended one of those wonderful cocktail gatherings in I think the Herringgracht and offered me a partnership in something very exciting to happen in Cape Ad. City, starting with RST&M. How could anyone not accept that. You gave me a seat and partnership in the White House, one of the happiest and most adrenaline-fueled moments of my advertising life, in the most beautiful advertising office in the world (Think Oudekraal/Twelve Apostles Spa). Thanks for the opportunity and some special memories.
In the year In 2011, Offett (he once jokingly told me it stood for Old Farts Young Talent) and CEO, Chris Goetz as creative director.
Industry honor
Tributes poured in from the industry following Leah’s death on social media.
It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Gary Leigh.
Ogilvy SA sends our deepest condolences to his family and all who knew him. Gary has made outstanding contributions to both Ogilvy and our industry. May he rest in peace. �� pic.twitter.com/EC6w3yoRWL
— Ogilvy South Africa (@OgilvySA) October 20, 2022
David Fox, CEO of the Middle East and North Africa region, said, “A boss with a cheeky smile and a twinkle in his eye who is always up for a problem (fun) and always takes care of you, pushes you and wants you to succeed. He said.
But perhaps Jennifer Lindridge best summed up Leah’s contribution to the industry: “Rest in peace Gary Leah. Thank you for making the advertising industry in South Africa one of my favorite places to share.
