Even before we opened the office doors to welcome in 2026, we learned that the industry has lost two of its very best. 2 icons in the fields of marketing and advertising. Dave Clark, the founder of Dave Clark Design and Darryn Melrose, former CEO of Aim Proximity, M&C Saatchi, and Media Design School, both passed away from illness within a few days of each other over the holiday period.
Both have left an indelible mark in their respective fields, not only for the quality of their work but for their outstanding leadership and their respect for fellow professionals.
Dave Clark, the head of the design company that bears hisname, was a leader in his field for over 30 years. He was a visionary and a pioneer who was never afraid to tackle the opportunities brought about by advances in technology and digitalization. But, more than that, he was agenerous, warm human being who was universally respected.
Andy Brown, MD of Dave Clark Design, said, ‘Dave cared deeply about the work, but even more about the people. His warmth, generosity, andvision shaped the culture we’re proud of today, and his legacy will live on ineverything we do.’
Matthew Pickering, GM Marketing at ANZ, wrote ‘Dave was a remarkable man who lived a life filled with adventure and with a passion for great design. It has been an honour for the ANZ team to have worked with Davefor over 25 years.’
Dave will forever be immortalised as the man who designed the silver fern that sits on the heart of the All Blacks jersey.
Darryn started his career as an accountant in Christchurch, but soon moved into marketing with the role of Senior Brand Manager at Lion before becoming Head of Marketing for BNZ Credit Cards.
Industry magazine Campaign Brief records that ‘Afterstintsat Proximity London and Lloyds TSB, Melrose returned to New Zealand, first asMD of Proximity Wellington, before becoming CEO of Proximity New Zealand. Melrose’s leadership saw the agency go from strength to strength, winning such coveted clients as NZ Post, Kiwibank, Telecom, Toyota, IAG New Zealand, Yellow Pages, TVNZ, Vodafone, The Warehouse and Westpac.
Melrose next moved to CEO of M&C Saatchi New Zealand, immediately winning Jetstar, Orcon, Yellow Pages, TVNZ, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Rabo Direct. His work for New Zealand Police saw the agency win multiple golds at the Effie Awards, including Most Difficult Marketing Challenge.
Darryn later went on to become a leading educator as CEO of Media Design School.
Like Dave Clark, Darryn has earned the love and respect ofthe people he worked with…. both staff and customers.
Dave King, Melrose’s ECD at both Aim Proximity and M&C Saatchi, writes: “Darryn wasn’t just the most positive person I met in advertising, he was the most positive person I’ve ever met full stop. He was encouraging, supportive and full of boundless enthusiasm. He made it a joy tocome to work each and every day. He became a great friend.”
SteveDorner, Managing Director at MDS, shared:
"Knowing Darryn was inspiring on so many levels. He was more than a motivational leader; he was exciting to work with. His passion for education, the people he worked with and the students in our care would literally light up the room. I will always value the time I shared with Darryn, and he will be deeply missed.”
Both Darryn and Dave were inspirational leadersand will be sorely missed.
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