VML reposted this
Dominic Proctor was first and foremost a dear friend and colleague to countless people across the world of advertising. He was also one of the most influential people in the global media and marketing industry – very few have done more to shape the media planning and buying landscape we see today. Dominic was with WPP for more than 30 years. He joined JWT as head of its media unit before being appointed CEO in London at just 35 years old. He went on to become one of the pioneers of the transformation of the media business, as the first employee (and CEO) of WPP’s first ever media agency – Mindshare. He was also pivotal in the development of GroupM, serving as its Global President for five years. His contribution to our success and that of the industry as a whole is second to none. Dominic helped so many people in their own careers – including mine. He was always generous with his time and considerable wisdom, and always very good company. Outside WPP he brought his trademark enthusiasm to many organisations and charities that benefited hugely from his skills, experience and determination to make things happen. On behalf of everyone at WPP I would like to express my condolences to Dominic’s family and friends. As the tributes pour in I know that, alongside the deep sadness and loss, there will be so much admiration, respect and affection for a truly remarkable person. Should you wish to join them, the family are supporting the pregnancy and baby charity Tommy’s, which Dominic co-founded and chaired for many years. www.tommys.org
Billy Tea
2w
A legacy built not just in media empires but in the hearts of those he lifted along the way.
Tamsin James
2w
Oh this is so sad, he was such a lovely man. Sending condolences to his family, and what a fantastic legacy he leaves with Tommy's.
Oh no… so sad. He was very helpful to me when i first moved to London with Unilever. He was a good man and a true visionary. RIP
Phil Jones
2w
I still have vivid memories of my first proper conversation with Dominic at one of the first Google/GroupM MountainView trips. A visionary media leader and a lovely human being.
Max Proctor
2w
Terrible news. Dominic was indeed a standup leader in the industry
Peter Cowie
2w
A very sad loss. Dom was a very very lovely man
So sorry to hear this news. When I first joined Mindshare we sat next to each other before we moved from the Strand to Central St. Gilles. You really get to know someone in those circumstances. He was the most humble, kindest person you can imagine. Always willing to help out, share advice, whatever you needed. He built such an amazing global organization with a culture that reflected not only himself but the next generation of leaders who he so carefully selected and nurtured. A true legend.
Girish Menon
2w
Dominic was a giant of the industry and simultaneously one of the most approachable people I knew. Equal parts brilliance and humanity. A visionary who led Mindshare and GroupM through one of the greatest periods of dominance/influence ever seen in advertising, and on par with similar success stories in any other industry. A great loss to all the lives he touched.
Senior Experience in Europe, Asia and USA with Evidence of Seven Figure Revenue and Profit Growth, Business Transformation, GTM, Compliance and Client/Supplier Partnership Optimisation.
2wClass act for taking the time to post this Mark with such well chosen and empathic tones and especially given how busy you are.