Lee Clow

Lee Clow. An iconic American advertising executive and creative director, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern advertising. As the longtime chairman and global director of TBWA\Worldwide and a pivotal creative force behind the agency Chiat\Day, he is best known for his legendary collaborations with Steve Jobs and Apple Inc., creating some of the most celebrated campaigns in advertising history. His career, spanning over five decades, is defined by a philosophy of creating culturally resonant, idea-driven work that transformed brands and the industry itself.

Early life and education

Born in Los Angeles, he developed an early interest in art and surfing along the Southern California coast. He attended California State University, Long Beach, initially studying journalism before shifting his focus to advertising and graphic design. His formative years were influenced by the burgeoning counterculture of the 1960s and the creative energy of the Los Angeles art scene, which later informed his unconventional approach to brand communication.

Career

He began his professional journey at the agency Carson/Roberts, which later became part of Ogilvy & Mather. In 1972, he joined Chiat\Day, a move that would define his legacy, working closely with founder Jay Chiat. He rose to become the agency's chief creative officer, helping to build its reputation for bold, innovative work. Following the merger of Chiat\Day with TBWA in 1995, he assumed the role of chairman of TBWA\Worldwide and global director of Media Arts Lab, the dedicated agency for Apple Inc.. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the creative output for global clients including Nissan, PepsiCo, and Adidas.

Notable works and campaigns

His creative portfolio is marked by groundbreaking campaigns that entered the cultural lexicon. For Apple Inc., he was the architect of the seminal "Think Different" campaign and oversaw the launch of iconic products like the iMac, iPod, and iPhone. Other landmark work includes the energizing "1984" Super Bowl commercial introducing the Macintosh, the "Just Do It" campaign for Nike, and the humorous "1984" Super Bowl commercial introducing the Macintosh. For Pepsi, he created the celebrated "Pepsi Generation" advertising, and he also developed distinctive branding for Nissan with the "Nissan" tagline.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, he has received virtually every major honor in the advertising world. He has been inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame, the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame, and the One Club Hall of Fame. His work for Apple and other clients has garnered numerous Cannes Lions, Clio Awards, and Effie Awards. In 2009, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, solidifying his status as a titan of the industry.

Personal life

He is married to Barbara, and the couple has two children. An avid surfer, he has often drawn parallels between the creativity required in riding waves and in advertising. He maintains a residence in Los Angeles and remains a prominent figure in the creative community, mentoring young talent and frequently speaking on the importance of artistic integrity in commercial work.

Category:American advertising people Category:TBWA executives Category:1943 births Category:Living people