It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our Co-Founder, Gerry Rubin. Gerry was a legendary and vital leader in the advertising community, and a beloved member of his RPA family. Gerry will not only be remembered for the great work that RPA produced, but for the personal impact he had on his Associates. Gerry was a caring and charismatic figure who never forgot a birthday or an anniversary and was committed to creating a work culture that allowed people to do what they did best.
A native of Evanston, Illinois, Gerry graduated from the School of Speech at Northwestern University in 1962 with dreams of becoming an actor. He started at an entry-level position at Leo Burnett instead, then spent 18 years at Needham Harper, eventually becoming an account director on Honda. When Needham merged into Omnicom in 1986, Gerry founded Rubin Postaer and Associates with his partner, Creative Director Larry Postaer, retaining Honda and several other accounts, along with their entire staff. Gerry proudly served as chairman of both the Southern California chapter of the 4A’s and the Western Region’s Board of Governors. He was a board member of the Country Music Association. In 1990, the Western States Advertising Agencies Association named Rubin and Postaer their Co-Leaders of the Year and, in 2003, the Los Angeles Advertising Agencies Association honored the partners with their first-ever Lifetime of Leadership Award. Gerry was inducted into the AAF Hall of Fame in 2013.
We will remember him as fiercely independent, tirelessly dedicated, and committed to a culture of respect – just like the agency he built.
We miss you, Gerry.
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