Beloved global creative leader Ari Weiss dies at 46

Celebrated and industry-defining creative Ari Weiss has passed away at 46 last Friday (February 14) following a prolonged battle with cancer.

Weiss led DDB to global recognition and was behind many high-profile campaigns in the last two decades. His journey began at Goodby, Silverstein & Partners as an intern before landing his first full-time role at Cliff Freeman & Partners in 2000. He then climbed the ranks at major agencies, including BBDO, Wieden+Kennedy, and 180LA. In 2011, he joined BBH New York as an executive creative director and was later promoted to chief creative officer. During his tenure, the agency earned acclaim for its work on brands like AXE, PlayStation, and Netflix, securing spots on Creativity’s A-List and winning multiple industry accolades.

In 2016, Weiss joined DDB as North America’s chief creative officer and was later elevated to global CCO in 2019. Under his leadership, DDB secured picked up Cannes Lions Network of the Year in 2023, the first for the agency in its 75-year history. Weiss was a champion of creativity with commercial impact, driving work that was both culturally resonant and highly effective.

Among his most celebrated campaigns was Skittles' ‘Broadway the Rainbow’, a one-night-only theatrical performance starring Michael C. Hall, which served as an alternative to a traditional Super Bowl ad. His work also extended to brands like McDonald's and Volkswagen.

In November 2023, Weiss co-founded independent agency Quality Experience (QX) alongside collaborators, pursuing his vision of a creatively led, agile agency.

Beyond the awards and high-profile campaigns, Weiss was known as a beloved mentor and a leader who inspired those around him to push boundaries and reimagine what advertising could be. He is survived by his wife, Dara, and their three children, Layla, Luca, and Lev.