To most of the current generation of advertising creatives and planners, he’s probably no more than a footnote in history. But Bob Rightford, who died this week aged 84, arguably did more than any other individual to create the platform for the modern South African advertising industry. Not only did Rightford help create local advertising behemoth Ogilvy & Mather SA and introduce the industry to management standards that still underpin it today, he was also one of the first white executives to recognise the importance of the black market. He cofounded the Red & Yellow School, which has become one of the industry’s leading training institutions. Tributes have been pouring in for Rightford this week. Matthew Bull, a South African and global industry leader of the last 20 years, says: "He led this country into the world advertising arena. He, together with his partners, created a legendary culture that still resonates and influences around SA." Born in Cape Town in 1933, Rightford cut ...
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