The Advertising World Has Lost A True Creative Force
Ari Weiss, the renowned advertising leader whose bold ideas and innovative campaigns left an indelible mark on the industry, passed away at age 46 on February 14, 2025, after a prolonged battle with cancer, reports the AdAge.
A towering figure in modern advertising, Weiss was celebrated for his ability to blend creativity with cultural relevance, crafting campaigns that resonated deeply with audiences.
From his early days as a copywriting intern at Goodby Silverstein & Partners in the late 1990s to his tenure at some of the world’s most prestigious agencies—including BBH New York and DDB—his work consistently pushed boundaries and set new industry standards.
Weiss’s impact was perhaps most keenly felt at DDB, where he served as North American Chief Creative Officer before ascending to Global CCO.
His Work Exemplified Power of Unexpected Creativity
Under his leadership, DDB won Network of the Year at the 2023 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity—a historic first in the agency’s 74-year history.
In early 2024, he embarked on a new journey, founding his boutique agency, Quality Experience (QX).
His vision for QX was simple yet profound: to ensure that every interaction between brands and consumers delivered mutual value.
He quickly assembled a powerhouse team and launched groundbreaking campaigns for Shutterfly and Tonal, proving that his creative instincts were as sharp as ever.
Throughout his career, Weiss was behind some of the most iconic advertising campaigns of his time.
Most Audacious Campaign, “Broadway The Rainbow”
From crafting playful, unforgettable spots for Skittles, Starburst, Twix, and McDonald’s to reshaping the storytelling of brands like Volkswagen and Miller Lite, his work exemplified the power of bold, unexpected creativity.
One of his most audacious campaigns, “Broadway the Rainbow” for Skittles, turned a traditional Super Bowl ad on its head by staging a one-night-only musical featuring Michael C. Hall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta7e0DreDfw
This self-referential, satirical spectacle was a testament to Weiss’s fearless ingenuity.
Beyond his achievements, Weiss was a beloved mentor, colleague, and friend.
His generosity, humour, and passion for the craft inspired countless creatives.
He had an unparalleled ability to nurture talent, encouraging those around him to take risks and redefine the limits of advertising.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dara, their children Layla, Luca, and Lev, his mother Marylin, father Abe, sister Lara, brothers Adam and Ilan, and sisters-in-law Ellen and Alicyn.
Ari Weiss’s legacy is not just in the ads he created but in the people he inspired and the creative spirit he ignited.
His influence will be felt for generations to come, and the industry he loved so deeply will continue to be shaped by the brilliance he brought to it.
