Industry pays tribute to Jimmy Lam

Advertising figures across the region and world are expressing their respects to Jimmy Lam, a legendary figure in Hong Kong’s advertising scene, who passed away October 30.

Lam was a central figure in the heyday of Hong Kong as an advertising hub, the first Hong Kong creative director to be invited to judge at Cannes Lions, and the co-founder, in 1989, of Adfest. He also co-founded the LongXi Chinese language awards show.

Through the years, Jimmy worked at many agencies, including McCann, Dentsu, and DDB.

The news of Lam’s death went public early Saturday, with comments pouring out on social media.

“His charisma and ability to galvanize the entire creative industry made him an influential yet authentic visionary leader”, said Tay Guan Hin, Chief Creative Officer of BBDO Singapore, to Campaign Asia-Pacific via an email on Saturday. “Jimmy wanted to do what’s best for our industry, so it’s not surprising to see such an intense outpouring from everyone who has ever worked with him. Thank you, Jimmy, for your kind generosity. You will always be remembered as my Master.”

Alexis Chiu, Chairman of HK4As, said he is profoundly saddened by the passing of “one of Asia’s greatest creative minds”. “As a grand master of creativity and one of the founders of Kam Fan, AdFest and LongXi awards, Jimmy made a tremendous contribution to the advertising industry in Hong Kong and Mainland China, not least in bringing our advertising achievements to the world stage”, Chiu said in a statement issued to Campaign.

“On behalf of HK4As, I bid a sad farewell to the godfather of creativity in Hong Kong. His every effort was dedicated to taking HK’s advertising industry to new heights, and his achievement will long be remembered by all his fellows and followers. Jimmy’s indelible mark of creative excellence set a standard for the advertising industry which future generations will aspire to emulate”, Chiu added.

The MARKETING Magazine team joins the industry figures in paying respect to and remembering this true icon.

Source: Campaign Asia