Salute to O. Burtch Drake Welcome Note

Nov 19, 2007

We are honored to introduce this tribute to O. Burtch Drake and the leadership he has demonstrated throughout his 13 years as president and CEO of the American Association of Advertising Agencies. The consummate ad executive turned visionary industry leader, Burtch has been a relentless advocate of the industry and has strengthened the Association, added value to members working in thousands of offices worldwide, and nurtured a more collaborative and powerful advertising industry, always with courage, insight, integrity and a great sense of humor.

The next several pages may trigger many memories and will certainly reflect those larger-than life characteristics that have distinguished Burtch as a true leader, traits essential to nurturing big ideas, growing client brands and building big organizations: bright, insightful, fun, daring, determined, exciting, persuasive, organized, goal-oriented, inspirational, empowering, responsible, tenacious, and even remarkably creative for an account type.

But it's Burtch's prescience and forward-thinking on so many key issues that have most notably defined his tenure with the AAAA:

He saw the potential for digital before the Internet boom and put the Association on a breakthrough course.

He understood the increasing importance of hardworking media strategies and expanding channels, and embraced the media community as full members and partners in the Association.

He welcomed the dramatic changes in the agency business and created an ever-changing, ever-growing curriculum of training courses and management information forums to keep agencies, large and small, at the leading edge of innovation.

He anticipated the need to attract and retain top talent to the business and nurtured scholarship, internship and mentoring programs, with special attention to fostering a more diverse industry.

He recognized the value that other advertising interests bring to the industry and created affiliations and mutually supportive relationships that have  elevated the power and prestige of the American advertising industry.

For Burtch and the AAAA, yesterday's successes have always served as building blocks for the next challenge. By all indicators, the challenges facing our business over the next few years will be no less demanding than those of the past. Burtch has established a legacy that anticipates and embraces change. As agencies and as the premier advertising industry association, we will be challenged to sustain the successes and momentum he has established for many years to come.

Tony Hopp AAAA Chairman

Chairman and CEO, Campbell-Ewald

Tom Carroll AAAA Vice Chairman

President, TBWA Worldwide

Salute to Burtch Drake Welcome Note
Q&A with Burtch Drake Part I
More Q&A with OBD part II
More Q&A with OBD part III
What's the O For?
Ahead of the Curve Part I
Ahead of the Curve Part II
OBD Camera Ready
Jerry McGee's Last Word