Filed under: Comment
So today is a sad day for me, because Jason White – my MD, and more importantly, my friend – leaves Wieden to become Mr Big at Beats By Dre.
It’s also a sad day for Wieden+Kennedy because not only has he been here for years – doing everything from managing the NIKE business during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, being the business lead for NIKE across the World and being the MD of this office for the past 3 years – he’s seriously amazing at what he does.
Seriously amazing.
And given he no longer has a say in my annual review, the fact I still say that shows how good he is.
It’s a massive loss for the company, the office and for me personally.
He’s one of those infectious people … as soon as he walks in the door, the whole mood of the room improves.
He not only makes you better than you thought you could be, he makes you want to be better than you thought you could be.
He manages to inspire, collaborate and lead all at the same time.
If that’s not annoying enough, he’s also prettier than Julia Roberts in her prime.
I should hate him, but I can’t. That’s how good he is.
Damnit.
But in addition to him teaching me stuff I thought I was too old to learn … in addition to him being supportive of all my strange, emotional, petty-bastard ways … in addition to never telling me to change my bad dress sense, language or birkenstocks … he’s been an amazing friend, someone who gives a shit about how I am not just what I do for him and that – in some ways – is the most brilliant thing about him.
We’ve gone through quite a few adventures in the time we’ve worked together … adventures that are probably best kept to ourselves … but what I can honestly say, is that it’s been wonderful, hysterical and memorable and there’s not many people I could say that about.
To sign off, I will attempt to capture the time we’ve had together in some pictures and a video.
I’m not going to give an explanation of what they’re about – not because it’s not for/about you – but anyone that knows either me or him will be able to work it out.
It’s been an honour to work for you and with you Jason and I hope one day I can call you a colleague again and not just a dear friend.
Have fun. Cause mischief. Enjoy your last Founders Day. [Till you come back]
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Gay.
Comment by Billy Whizz April 25, 2014 @ 6:17 amHe’s wearing a t with Rob’s face on it. Double gay.
Comment by DH April 25, 2014 @ 6:24 amYes Dave, that’s way worse … thank you. Sort-of.
Comment by Rob April 25, 2014 @ 7:07 amNot bromance. Gay.
Comment by Billy Whizz April 25, 2014 @ 6:17 amThere’s something refreshing how immune you are to political correctness. Not in a good way, but still refreshing.
Comment by Rob April 25, 2014 @ 7:09 amAnd yet you still made him want to leave.
Comment by DH April 25, 2014 @ 6:19 amAny beats freebies going?
Comment by DH April 25, 2014 @ 6:20 amHappy birthday Andy.
(Remember I’m the first person to say this to you, wherever you are.)
Comment by DH April 25, 2014 @ 6:22 amHappy birthday Andy.
Comment by Pete April 25, 2014 @ 6:37 amOh god, I forgot. Happy birthday Andy, though I’m relying you are too lazy to check back and see if I did anything in your honour. Oh who am I kidding, you ego will make you go straight to this post.
Have a great day with the family and I will [sort-of] look forward to hearing your abuse when you’re back.
Comment by Rob April 25, 2014 @ 7:10 amHe sounds a great guy and this is a lovely tribute. I wonder what he would say about working with you though?
Comment by Pete April 25, 2014 @ 6:36 amIf you look at the right hand side of the photo montage – one where I am writing my ‘apology lines’ – I think you’ll get all you need to know from the fact I did that.
Comment by Rob April 25, 2014 @ 7:11 amWe didn’t need that to know that.
Comment by Bazza April 25, 2014 @ 7:31 amThat red t-shirt pic is awesome
Comment by Miguel April 25, 2014 @ 6:45 amHappy birthday Andy…
Comment by niko April 25, 2014 @ 7:39 amUsing this blog to say happy birthday to Andrew is an insurance policy against future abuse. It doesn’t work and it never pays out, but he will regard our fear as the best present he could receive from us.
Comment by George April 25, 2014 @ 7:57 amIt is the 2nd best present. The first would be cash.
Comment by Rob April 25, 2014 @ 8:10 amYou are a kind and gentle soul Robert.
Comment by Lee Hill April 25, 2014 @ 8:30 amAnd a dick. Mostly a dick.
Comment by Billy Whizz April 25, 2014 @ 9:04 amMy friend. You also built a great relationship and lethal partnership with Chris J before W&K. Takes two. Lovely to read a respectful, sincere post like this. The credit goes to you both -perhaps even in equal measure 🙂
Comment by Mark April 25, 2014 @ 9:48 amReblogged this on Secerets of future.
Comment by harriettecbg April 25, 2014 @ 7:08 pmSo Dan finally found out about the lax holiday policy?
Comment by John April 25, 2014 @ 7:49 pmEvil. Funny, but evil.
Comment by Rob April 25, 2014 @ 11:54 pm