America's Most Honored Advertising Men and Women
2009 Inductees Increase Diversity in Ad Federation Hall of Fame
Mar 8, 2009
The 2009 AAF Hall of Fame class is not best known for its creativity in producing ads, but rather for its impact on the progress and structure of the advertising industry. The seven have helped bring more women and minorities into the industry, promoted public service, helped to create Advertising Week and/or led their organizations to new levels of success.
They were scheduled to be inducted into the AAF Hall of Fame at an awards luncheon March 26, 2009 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.
The ASF Hall of Fame honors not only people who have created ads, but also the men and women who have distinguished themselves in buying and publishing advertising. To be eligible for induction into the hall, AAF says the nominees must have:
- Completed their "primary careers."
- Distinguished themselves in their careers
- Contributed to "the betterment of advertising and its reputation."
- Made volunteer efforts outside the workplace.
Hall of Achievement Honors Younger Members
While AAF restricts its Hall of Fame to retired or deceased individuals, it recognizes under-40 talent through its Hall of Achievement.
Charlotte-Beers, who has served as chairwoman of two of the profession’s most respected agencies, J. Walter Thompson and Ogilvy & Mather, is the twelfth woman elected to the AAF Hall of Fame and only the fourth in this century. She also chaired the American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA).
Beers served as U.S. Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy in the George W. Bush Administration shortly after the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. She gained early attention in the industry for her marketing of Uncle Ben’s Rice.
BBDO's Clarence Holte Inducted
Two African-Americans, Clarence Holte and William "Bill" Sharp, have been named to the Hall of Fame in 2009. Holte served as head of special markets for BBDO-New York. AAF said his "studies of ethnic markets led to the development of the first known ad campaign specifically targeted at African-Americans."
Sharpe was the first African-American vice president and advertising manager for Coca Cola. He also served as senior vice president and general manager of Burrell Advertising and founded Sharp Advertising. AAF said he "opened doors for African-Americans in the industry through mentoring and by spearheading the Basic Ad Course at J. Walter Thompson."
The other 2009 Hall of Fame inductees were all high ranking executives of ad agencies, ad media or corporations that are major purchasers of advertising.
Jack Avrett Helped Create Advertising Week
Jack Avrett was co-founder and co-chairman of Avrett Free Ginsberg, a leading New York agency. AAF described him as a "passionate defender of advertising" and credited him with helping to create both Advertising Week and the Advertising Hall of Achievement.
Chuck Fruit was chief marketing officer for the Coca-Cola Company and, in ASF’s description, a "marketing legend" who led Coke to a 50% market share "through groundbreaking partnerships."
Dan Logan served as chairman of the media and communications group at Time Warner Inc. ASF said he "stewarded TIME Inc to unparalled business and journalistic success" and championed pro bono advertising.
AAF Hall of Fame Ladder Trophy
Bob Wright was chairman and chief executive officer of NBC Universal and vice chairman of General Electric. He was also co-founder of "Autism Speaks."
Holte died in 1993, Avrett in 1997 and Fruit in 2008.
The AAF Hall of Fame ladder trophy is inscribed with Bill Bernbach's words: "If we can see further, it is because we stand on the rungs of a ladder built by those who came before us."
The seven inductees in 2009 brought the total number of hall of fame members to 191.
Reference: Source Watch.org
Women in Advertising Hall of Fame
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