Celebrating a Great: Bob Isherwood: A Trailblazing Force in Global Advertising

Bob Isherwood's distinguished career in advertising spans over three decades and three continents, marked by groundbreaking creativity, leadership, and a commitment to nurturing emerging talent. His journey began with studies in Advertising Art at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, where he later established a scholarship program for underprivileged students, recognizing the transformative power of education.

Isherwood's professional trajectory includes six years as a creative group head at Young & Rubicam London, followed by a decade at Collet Dickenson Pearce & Partners. In 1982, he returned to Australia to co-found Campaign Palace Sydney, solidifying his reputation as a creative innovator.

In 1986, Isherwood joined Saatchi & Saatchi, where he dedicated 22 years, including 11 as the agency's first Worldwide Creative Director and chair of its Worldwide Creative Board. Under his leadership, the network's 143 offices across 83 countries consistently ranked among the top creative agencies globally, amassing over 8,000 major awards. Notably, he served as the global creative director for the launch of the Toyota Prius, showcasing his ability to blend innovation with impactful storytelling.

Isherwood also played a pivotal role in transforming the Saatchi & Saatchi New Directors Showcase into a premier event at the Cannes Lions Festival, highlighting emerging talents such as Spike Jonze and Michel Gondry.

Beyond his agency work, Isherwood has been deeply involved in education and mentorship. He served as an adjunct professor of advertising at Vanderbilt University and co-founded ONE School, a free online portfolio program aimed at supporting Black creatives. His dedication to fostering new talent is evident in the success of numerous industry leaders who have benefited from his guidance.

Isherwood's contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including inductions into the Hall of Fame for AWARD, The WORK, Clio, and Writers and Art Directors Australia. He received the Clio Lifetime Achievement Award and was named Australia's Top Creative Director by the Australian Financial Review. In 2024, his enduring impact on the industry was further acknowledged with his induction into The One Club for Creativity's Creative Hall of Fame.

Bob Isherwood's legacy is defined not only by his creative achievements but also by his unwavering commitment to using his talents to uplift others, embodying the transformative power of ideas in the advertising world.

For more info: https://creativehalloffame.org/inductees/bob-isherwood-creative-hall-of-fame/

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