Agency legend dead at 77

PORTLAND, OREGON, Today: Advertising great Dan Wieden — the co-founder of Wieden+Kennedy — died peacefully in his home last night, aged 77.

“We are heartbroken,” said an agency spokesperson. “But even more so, we are overcome with gratitude and love.”

“Thank you Dan, for throwing the doors wide open for people to live up to their full potential. Thank you for your steadfastness, courage, faith and abiding love. Thank you for making this beautiful creative life possible. We will miss you so much.”

“They founded W+K in 1982, which went on to became an advertising powerhouse, known for its iconic Nike campaigns, including the Just Do It tagline.”

Wieden and David F Kennedy founded W+K in 1982, which went on to became an advertising powerhouse, known for its iconic Nike campaigns, including the Just Do It tagline.

Wieden graduated from University of Oregon with a degree in journalism, before he getting into into public relations and copywriting.

Wieden later stepped into a chairman role and away from active agency life in 2015.

His business partner, David Kennedy, died last year.