‘A brilliant mind and a very big heart’: politics and adland pays tribute to Neil Lawrence
Tributes have flowed for adman Neil Lawrence, with prominent figures in the advertising industry and the political world recognising his contribution in both spheres.
It was announced today that Lawrence died aged 61 during a surfing holiday in the Maldives.
Among those paying tribute to him are former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and also former Queensland premier Anna Bligh, who told Mumbrella: “Neil was the advertising director for my election victory in 2009 and I give him a very large piece of the credit for winning that campaign.
“He devised a brilliant media strategy. He executed it with devastating effect. He kept the team on track and on strategy when daily polling threatened to dissemble everybody,” she said.
Miss him already, what a sad day.
Thinking of Neil’s family and friends, colleagues and anyone that had the great pleasure of dealing with him. My father’s favourite ad man always. x
A profoundly decent man who understood people and had the sophistication to make stories simple.
I am in a state of shock, as we all are. I loved Neil and agree with everyone who’s characterised him as a wonderful human being – smart, funny, warm. immensely talented, adored his family, great values – there just aren’t enough words to describe him or the loss for his family, the industry and his many, many friends.