Vale Michael Ball, a major force in both the Australian and Asian advertising industries
The advertising industry throughout the Asia-Pacific region will be truly saddened to hear of the passing of Michael Ball, the former chairman of The Ball Partnership (since morphed into WCRS, Euro, and now Havas), who passed away last night, aged 80.
Ball was single-minded and described by some as a ‘let’s kick ’em in the guts’ character. Also he was key to the establishment of the Asian ad industry, picking and cultivating the best creative talent, and forming a formidable partnership with Neil French. Those who worked for him went on to do great things in their own right – that much alone is testament to his stature.
Good friend and former colleague Jim Aitchison, author of Cutting Edge Advertising, summed up Ball’s contribution to the industry in both Asia and Australia back in 2003.
Says Aitchison: “Ball has witnessed more change than most. He joined the fledgling Ogilvy & Mather New York in 1960, when there were fewer than 100 on the staff.
“Twenty-five years later in Asia, he founded one of the world’s most creative agency brands, The Ball Partnership. David Ogilvy is still his advertising hero. ‘David was, to my mind, the most important advertising person in the 20th century. Like most people in advertising, he was egocentric, but he had something that no other agency had, or has now – a culture, which was written down and taught by gentlemen with brains. I was grateful to have spent 25 years of my life with a guy who was the true genius of the advertising industry.’
“Since Ball left the business, media departments have unbundled and conglomerates have grown bigger. Advertising heroes are thin on the ground. ‘Everybody has their heroes. Martin Sorrell isn’t one of mine, because he did it through finance. I don’t think Martin’s place in advertising will ever be what Bill Bernbach’s or David Ogilvy’s is.'”
Ball was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in January this year, adding to a previously awarded AM honour.
Ball moved to the Southern Highlands of NSW in 1986 with his wife Daria and became an active member of the local community.
For several years, he advocated cricket through the roles of chairman and director of the Bradman Foundation. He is now an honorary life member of the foundation.
Ball was essential in the establishment of the International Cricket Hall of Fame at the Bradman Centre, Bowral.
14 Comments
With the creation of the Ball partnership, Michael Ball created Australia’s first truly international network. He saw the potential of Asia and an Asian network long before most of his contemporaries. Once, when listening to a very talented, but very frustrated Neil French list a number of problems facing the agency, Michael told Neil “he shouldn’t view these things as problems, but rather see them as opportunities”; to which Neil paused before replying, “Well, if that’s the case, I’m working in an agency full of insurmountable opportunities!”. Vale Michael.
Sad news indeed, I can vouch for the fact that he was a most generous man.
Michael had been sick for a couple of years but took it in his stride, he never complained about his condition.
His final ambition was to make it to his 80th Birthday party – which he achieved. Last month he shouted lunch (of course) for his hundred or so best mates at Lucios in Paddington knowing full well that there would be no 81st.
Oh that we could all exit with such style..
Michael never tread lightly, whatever he did, he did it with 150% commitment. He contributed enormously to the advertising industry here and throughout Asia. He was in awe of great creative people in advertising and the arts, and became a great supporter of them. We’ll miss you Michael, and send our sympathy to his boys and Daria.
When I arrived as CEO of Ogilvy Australia Michael made the point of reaching out to me and taking me to Lucio’s for lunch. He did so every few months after that including his legendary long lunch. He made me welcome when he was a long time out of Ogilvy however I suppose it was always in his veins due to his admiration of David Ogilvy. His 80th birthday a few weeks back was attended by many names that shaped Australia – John Howard, Dick Smith, Singo to name a few. It was of course held at Lucio’s and was a great afternoon celebrating the long life of an Australian character. RIP mate.
I got my first job in Australian advertising at The Ball Partnership in 1993. Many people probably don’t know that Havas was born from The Ball Partnership as it was bought by Euro RSCG in the early 90’s. About 18 months ago I asked him if he would address the staff in recognition of the business he originally built. He was as impressive then as he was when I first saw him in action over 20 years before. There are many in the agency game locally and globally that owe Michael a debt of gratitude and I feel honoured that I have had the opportunity to benefit from his knowledge and generosity over the years. Rest in Peace Michael.
I was lucky enough to work at The Ball Partnership as a young writer in the late 80’s.
I’ve still got one of the books that the Ball Partnership self-published, all those decades ago, as a promotional piece.
It was given to clients, potential clients, and anyone who started at the agency.
It was smart, insightful and written with utter clarity. Yep, it had the unmistakable touch of Neil French.
It explained to anyone who could read who the agency was, how they thought, and why they did what they did.
I drank that cool-aid, ‘cos it just made such perfect sense.
There was a tangible culture at The Ball Partnership. As an agency, they could describe it, sell it, and print collectible little books about it.
Try to find that nowadays…it’s even rarer now.
All this was due to the man with his name on the door.
And hats off to Michael for figuring out we were part of Asia WAY before anyone else did.
The industry needs men and women with the nerves of Michael Ball now more than ever. Rest in peace. And thank you.
Do you have any idea of where we can find any of Michael’s books?
They were so well written and still relevant for todays environment.
A wonderful man, mentor, professional – sadly missed by all.
Michael was so full of life. Always positive, sharp, curious and generous. Michael was a a great friend and mentor – and just a great human. He believed in people, brought ideas to life and brought people together. He was an innovative thinker and a real entrepreneur. He was the first investor in my business (DT) and taught us so much. A man full of integrity and spirit and one who will be sorely missed.
My first real job in advertising was at Ogilvy & Mather just when Michael was made
in charge of the agency worldwide.He would make a point of every visit to Sydney and he would visit a couple of times a year coming into my office and talk advertising I thought I was special until I realised I was not the only one.I believe he ran the world the same way. RIP Michael.
A very sad day for Australia. I had the great pleasure to work for Michael as a real estate agent in the Southern Highlands. Michael’s enthusiasm and energy for so many projects was infectious…he certainly gave 150% effort to everything he was involved with in the Southern Highlands and indeed on a National basis. He was generous with his time and had a unique quality of making everyone comfortable within minutes of meeting him. I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with Michael and regard him a great Australian. My sincere condolences to Daria and his boys. RIP Michael.
Michael employed me as an account executive with Ogilvy & Mather in the early 1970s. He was a wonderful mentor, he taught me how to pitch for new business, how to treat clients with great respect and as if they were the only client we had. And the the most important lesson – to treat ones staff as the greatest asset that any organisation has.
Michael was one of the foundations of my career (the other being in later years Peter Clemenger).
I was blessed to have advertising as a wonderful career choice.
Any success I enjoyed here in Australia and in New York was because of what I learn’t from Michael Ball and Peter Clemenger. I sat with Michael at an O&M Reunion just a few short years back and we had a wonderful’ reminisce about the early O&M days in Melbourne. See you in heaven one day Michael. Thank you for so much.
If there is one regret I had in 20 years in the ad business, it’s not having had the opportunity to work with Michael Ball. Admittedly, I worked with some greats but he was the consummate professional. Even when he moved on, he made a significant contribution to his other passions, including one we shared, the Australian Angus cattle industry.
It is very sad to hear this… I have been his hairdresser for two years. It was wonderful to know such a kindness man like Michael. He had great influence to my business, and for a few months I try not to think why I haven’t seen him for a little while…
Thank you for your surport Michael.
R.I.P.
Your hairdresser Kammy from Qhair
We will miss you Michael
I hope someone continues the michael ball long lunch tradition in your honour
We were pleased to have lunch in Bowral with you and Dhayna last year