Vale Ross Benn – Beloved Brisbane creative director, family man and local legend
The Brisbane ad industry is mourning the recent passing of the legendary Ross Benn. Former Creative Partner Andrew Thompson shares these words in memory.
The passing of Ross Benn has had us all pondering many questions.
How could this mad keen cyclist, constant Noosa Triathlon competitor and healthiest man we knew be struck down like this?
How does someone have over 30 years of success in the ad game and still remain enemy-free?
How the fuck have we still not found a cure for brain cancer?
Of course, there are no clear answers to questions like this. Only deep, heart-crushing sadness that we are having to ask them about our mate and colleague Ross.
I first met Ross in the sun-soaked beer garden of The Elephant and Wheelbarrow in the Valley in 2009. He was already a local legend, having had his name on the door of the agency Grantley Cogzell Benn in his twenties. More success followed during a long stint with Clemenger Brisbane, and now he was cleaning up on the Freelance circuit. That was no surprise – Ross was a gun at getting to the heart of a brief in no time, and coming up with an idea that nailed it. Especially the Govt-type briefs that needed a catchy slogan and an ability to do something memorable using only the typeface Meta. He was the Master.
After that first beer, Ross joined us up the road at George Patterson Y&R for a few more and over the course of the next 8 years showed us all what made him such a special man.
He worked hard but he never got stressed about it, reminding us that “It’s only advertising.” He rarely took a day off during the year, but then took half of December and all of January off – to head to his beloved Straddy camping with his family and catching-up with all of the friends you make from doing that same holiday for 20 years.
He’d come back from Straddy so tanned and so relaxed, it would take a few days to get him back into the swing. But back into the swing he would get – winning new business, winning Cannes Lions, winning hearts, winning client’s trust. Fuck, I think he even won the Friday Meat Tray raffle most weeks.
As his Writer partner, we spent an extraordinary amount of time together and I was always impressed by his ability to ensure his family came first no matter what.
We would often stop our concepting sessions so he could take a call from Mandy – or he would just call her out of the blue to check in how her day was going. He was also the Dad that we all aspired to be, successfully negotiating the growing pains of raising Jordy, Lily and Frankie. His kids were older than mine, so I valued the regular life lessons he provided. Like the warning that my water bills were about to go through the roof now that my Ella had entered the teenage era of long showers. “There’s a reason daughter rhymes with water” he told me – still nailing his messaging in that catchy slogan fashion.
He was a father figure to half the agency, providing career advice along with general life advice – even tyre-changing help for a young producer on her first shoot. He was a mate to the hundreds of people who worked alongside him, and who cut loose alongside him on the dance floor of agency parties. He was the highlight of many a Client’s day who knew you were in for a treat when Ross walked in to present you with creative work. He was the calm head in the 24 hours before a pitch when all around him were losing theirs.
When that era came to an end, Ross went back to freelancing for clients and agencies who knew they could rely on his safe pair of hands to solve any problem. In fact, we were due to work on a freelance project together in December 2022 when he sent me a message that morning “Sorry mate, just some quick news. I’m going into surgery today for a brain tumour. They found a nasty one and they want to have a crack at it. I would have let you know sooner but the surgery decision was a quick one. Sorry again.”
If we’re honest, we all know we take the advertising game way too seriously. Ross showed us that you can be hugely successful and still place more importance on the more important things in life. Like looking after your family. Like being nice to everybody you meet no matter their standing or position. Like caring greatly about the work, but caring more about the people.
Vale Ross. We will all miss you greatly.
One last thing. This is my recollection of Ross but I know many people reading will have their own. Please use the much-maligned CB Comments section below to tell us your own memories of Ross. We’ll package them up into a book for Mandy and the family, so they can have a memento of the special role Ross played in the Brisbane advertising industry. And if anyone can get 100% positive comments on CB, my money is on Ross Benn.
All are welcome to the Funeral Service on Friday August 23 at Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens Holland Park, beginning 3.30pm. The Service will also be live streamed via a link to be added to the Comments later in the week. Details of an Industry event to be held for Ross in the coming weeks will also be shared shortly.
36 Comments
Very touching tribute. Condolences to his friends and family.
Beautiful tribute Thommo. Befitting of ‘the nicest man in Brisbane Advertising’. Vale Ross Benn, you absolute legend.
I remember the Ross Benn era of Patts Y&R very well.
Ross was pure class, when many around him – myself included at times – were not.
But he never judged.
He would just chuckle and tell me there was a life lesson in there somewhere.
I’m still working on those life lessons Ross x
NB: Also beautiful words Thommo.
It was always a pleasure to have Ross and Thommo present their great work…always on point!
I’ve been blessed working with some great people in advertising none more than my time knowing Ross.
RIP Ross, deepest condolences to the Benn family.
Beautiful words Thommo.
What a legacy to leave behind. We were so lucky to know Ross. Condolences to his family and friends. I hope they can seek comfort in knowing what a legend he was.
I had the pleasure of working with Ross on the International Olympic Committee videos, bringing the Olympics to Brisbane. We created four videos to be played during the decision/bid for the Olympics to be held at Brisbane, showcasing our beautiful city. Over two very short weeks, stretching into very long days, Ross and I sat in the edit suites, crafting each video. He always had a solution for any creative issue, any piece of problematic feedback or just to make the videos better than they were. He was such a kind man, showing compassion and empathy for everyone enduring the crazy quick turnaround. I had so much respect for him throughout the process… I didn’t realise I was working with a legend. I knew though, that I was working with a genuine and wonderful man and I’m so grateful I got to know him. I’m so proud of the work we created, so much so that that job is the most rewarding, valuable and fulfilling piece of work I’ve done to date, and I’m so blessed I got to share that with him. Rest in peace, Ross. You left a lasting impact and you will be sorely missed.
Lucky to have been a client working with Ross and the team across two agencies Clems and GPYR. A brilliant creative mind with an amazing way to take a brief of the impossible and turn it into campaign gold. Lucky to experience first hand his catchy lines and campaign genius that is to this day (the success of changing an entire industry mindset with a campaign) yet to be repeated. To his family, thanks for loaning him to his work family over so many years, thoughts are with you.
Well said Thommo.
Such a great man that we all admired gone way too soon. Vale Ross, rest easy mate.
Great words Thommo thank you. I was fortunate to shoot some campaigns for the Thommo and Ross team, fantastic memories, Ross was always great to work with such an absolute gentleman and a man I’m proud to have called a mate. Karl and I never got the opportunity to take him to lunch for designing our company logo. So Benn family apart from my sincere condolences you have an outstanding lunch debt owed to you. The first time the Seven Gods Studios logo hits the screen there will be a credit In memory of Ross Benn. Farewell Rosco.
I was Ross’s client when I worked at the Mater and he was a partner at GCB. He came up with some incredible billboards for us. My wife, Linda, worked with him at GCB & Clems and then later when he taught at QUT. We are both very sad to hear of his passing. He certainly was a gentle man and extremely clever. We hadn’t seen him in a long while but he will definitely be missed by those who knew him.
I actually never worked with Ross, but felt I had. In the time it took to empty a schooner, Ross would have settled the addled ad-brain and made you realise life existed beyond a brief. He was an example genuine humanity. Like you said, Thommo, 20 years of the same holiday is the best analogy to the beautiful consistency of Ross – calm, quietly attentive and always ready to ease a burden. You taught us all how to go easy, Ross, now it’s time to rest.
I had the pleasure of Ross working and putting up with me in 2 different agencies over the years. He always bought a huge sense of relief along with him. The relief of knowing that the brief was always going to be cracked to the level that you and the client wanted and usually even higher and better than that. And his work was presented with charm and poise and produced with craft, good humour and without any fuss at all. He was just a bloody pleasure to work and share a beer with. To his family I can’t imagine what you are going through but I offer all of my condolences to you. Rosco will be missed by many but remembered by all who had the privilege to work with him. Good words Thommo. RIP Rosco and thanks for everything mate.
So true Thommo. Ross really did sprinkle his magic dust everywhere he went. We had a huge year with Ross in 2022. Work that really helped move Engine forward. He might have been freelance, but he was part of our team and we loved every second of it. Sadly he wasn’t able to join our work Christmas party in 2022 but after some great progress in early 2023 (kicking cancer’s butt as I put it to him) he was able to come out and whale watch with us last August. That’s the Ross I will remember. I’m so grateful that we got that time.
When you read about someone’s sad passing on this site, there’s often a bit of implied bad behaviour, hidden there between the lines. “They were a bit of a character.” “They didn’t tolerate fools.” That sort of thing.
You’ll hear none of that about Ross.
As anyone who met him will attest, he was a genuinely wonderful guy. Perhaps growing up breathing in that Dalby air prevented him from ever swelling with self-importance. He took his job seriously but knew there were far more important things in life.
I remember him returning after the summer holidays, lean and unnaturally tanned with that big mop of hair (and me wondering how it ever fit inside a motorbike helmet). I can still see him arriving back at Grantley Cogzell, my first advertising job, after Jordi was born, the entire agency surrounding him eager to hear all about it, such was his infectious joy.
It was Ross who suggested that I enter AWARD School way back in 1993, which was the start of my career. From the tributes I’ve read to him today, it would seem I was one of many he mentored so kindly.
Goodbye, you good, good man. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest,
Doogie xx
Ross was my work dad when I had no family up in Brisbane and was truly one of the kindest men I’ve ever met. Thank you for always looking out for me. You were and always will be, one of a kind. You were amazing at advertising but it doesn’t come close to how amazing you were as a person. ❤️
I made the decision to buy GCB whilst MD at Clemenger, always a challenge to buy another agency but when Ross arrived I knew we had a winner. Great talent, incredibly patient and helped develop a great culture. We won many many pitches because of Ross. I still remember the red scooter and Ross riding wet or dry! RIP mate.
Beautiful words Thommo. Thank you.
Rosco certainly had a knack for making you question your own way of tackling life.
What a rare and wondrous gift to have hacked the work/life balance code.
Sharp mind. Handsome face. Uncannily hairy legs.
We’re all better off for knowing you Rosco. Rest in peace mate.
I was once told that Ross Benn invented the drop shadow, and I believed it because it was Ross Benn.
Even though Ross was an “agency dad” to many, he was effortlessly and infinitely cooler than most people decades his junior in the agency.
One thing I always admired about Ross was how he got the balance right. In this hectic agency world, we often forget to take care of ourselves. Ross knew better. He ran marathons, spent weekends tackling extreme mountain bike trails and woke up early to hit the road for a cycle.
He understood the importance of investing time in the things that mattered—himself and his family. And he did it all while delivering world-class work without burning himself out or taking the job more seriously than necessary.
During the time I worked with Ross at Y&R, that’s the greatest lesson he taught me and I’m thankful to him for it.
I first met Ross when I started working with the creative team at Clems in 2010. We quickly bonded over our dogs, he was fostering a dog from an RSPCA raid that I was involved with. He assured me him and the family were ‘only fostering’ but I knew once the court case was cleared he’d adopt Whitney! I then adopted two pups from the same raid, we had many a doggy date with all our pooches.
The nicest, and hairiest, man in advertising, when Ross came back from a TQ shoot, he sported a full big beard. I said he should keep it, but he was sure Mandy would divorce him if he did!
A week after I left Clems he called me and told me off for not reminding him he should be at an edit, I sure did miss organising his and Carl’s days.
Fast forward to 2014 and he put me forward for a role at Y&R, it sure was nice being back working alongside Ross.
I could go on all day about this wonderful man. You will be truly missed my friend.
When you look back over a long career in advertising, there are a lot of faces that come and go, but there are some that stick with you. Ross was one of those. I first knew Ross as a colleague, then as a friend. Talented, intelligent, selfless, funny and oh so handsome. I never heard a bad word spoken about him. Right to the end, even though he clearly wasn’t well, he’d always ask how you were, and show genuine interest in the response. Just a great human being, who leaves a great legacy. To Mandy and the Family, I hope these words from Ross’ friends and colleagues can bring some comfort Rest in peace mate, we’ll have a beer again someday.
It’s a week since I heard the heartbreaking news of Ross’ pass not long after I arrived at the office. I am not ashamed to say I have shed a lot of tears. It rocked me to the core being the same age and growing up together in Dalby. There will be a lot more tears on Friday. RIP buddy. You will NOT forgotten, as long as I am still alive.
Hard to believe Rosco has left us so soon. He will always be the nicest guy in the business. He was very dedicated to his family and bloody good at everything he put his mind to. Ross and I clicked over motorbikes as soon as we met and I will never forget the days we’d race home to Bulimba through peak hour traffic. Rosco on his iconic red Vespa, me on a 900cc Trumpy. I didn’t stand a chance! He took lane splitting to a whole new level! We’ll all miss you mate. Rest in peace mate.
Loveliest bloke. A big loss for Brisbane and all who knew him.
When we started our agency we were just two suits pretending to know what we were doing. By some stroke of fortune, Ross agreed to do some freelance work for us. From that moment on, we started producing work that made us look like we actually knew what we were doing—a remarkable achievement considering our creative briefs were, to put it mildly, somewhat lacking.
I always knew that Ross possessed a far deeper understanding of advertising than we ever could, but in his infinite grace, he never once allowed us to feel our inadequacy. It’s rare to find a creative genius without the accompanying creative director-sized ego, but Ross managed it with effortless charm.
Lovely words for a lovely man Thommo.
I remember interning at Y&R almost a decade ago and being instantly struck by Ross’ cool, calm and collected demeanour, but most of all, his kindness. One of my greatest memories was seeing you guys bring the Bloquet to life and spending an entire morning with Ross, fashioning the wrapping paper that would eventually surround it. In between the folding and creasing, we discovered our shared passion for ’70s new wave music, especially The Cars. Whenever I bumped into Ross at industry events, campaign-talk would quickly turn into music talk, which was always a refreshing change of pace.
Just two years ago I was lucky enough to team up with Ross during his freelance stint at Publicis, where I got to witness his Meta-mastery up close as we tackled some government work. Working with Ross was always on my advertising industry bucket list so I am really glad we had that time. He was insightful, lightning-fast with great ideas and of course, still the cool, calm and collected bloke I had met 10 years prior.
Vale Ross, we’ve truly lost a legend—both as a creative and as a bloke. My thoughts and prayers are with the Benn family.
Beautiful words Thommo! I’d always referred to Ross as ‘The nicest guy in advertising,’ when we worked together at Clems. It’s funny only now realising that he’s actually widely and fondly known as this – and for very good reason. As a young Art Director, I was often hesitant to bother the senior teams with my questions or ideas. But Ross was different—he always made time, never making you feel like he had somewhere more important to be. His calm demeanour and warm smile were a joy to work alongside. My deepest condolences to his family. I hope they find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched and how deeply he will be missed. Rest in peace mate.
I first worked with Ross over 20 years ago and was so happy when I learnt he was joining us on our big Vanuatu adventure in 2019. He was so kind and calm, and also very funny.
He’ll be greatly missed. Rest well, Ross.
Very very sad to hear of Ross’ passing. I worked with him on some very speedy gov campaigns at Publicis and he was the most chilled and talented creative I’d ever worked with (very rare combo). I got to know him more on shoots and I loved speaking with him and getting his advice on family and outlook on life as I was just about to start my own. Ross was taken too bloody soon, why it always the good ones? RIP Ross x
It’s an intimidating thing walking into an agency. Especially one like Clems circa 2010s. Volvo briefs with Rosco & Karlos were my favorite part of being an advertising greenhorn. Rosco didn’t care who you were. He gave you the same time and attention he would an MD or ECD. He didn’t care what you came to ask of him, it was always “No worries, will get this over to you by tomorrow”. Or whatever ridiculous deadline you’d just given him. The nicest man in advertising helmed two families. The one he so lovingly built with Mandy, and the one he adopted in us. The BAD club. It was because of the unyielding, immense pride and love of his first family that we all had the good fortune of being in his familial, caring orbit. That kind of love rubs off on you. Reminds you that happiness comes not from what you do, but who you do it with. I got to do advertising with Rosco. I’ll never forget it. And I’ll never forget you. Rest easy mate.
When I started at GYP&R as a wide-eyed graduate, it seemed to me that, to survive in Advertising, you needed a least a little bit of crazy in you. In what felt like a swarming office of overtime-working, hard-hitting, sharp-minded (and sometimes sharp-mouthed) people, I was immediately taken by how absolutely normal and impossibly nice Ross was. He seemed to float through the office with an aura of calm and he spoke to everyone with kindness and respect. He was a glowing beacon of hope that it was possible to work in this world and not take it, or life, too seriously. That you could prioritise your health and your family, and stay grounded as Ross always did. It seems deeply unfair that someone who did all of these things could still be taken so young, but I hope there is comfort in knowing that he lived so truly and so authentically that he left an impression on everyone who crossed his path, no matter how briefly. Rest easy, Ross.
When you move interstate for a new job (especially as a junior) the culture and kinship at your agency is vital. And although it was a while ago now, I’ll always remember the chill and calming presence that was Ross Benn, people aren’t exaggerating when they say ‘the nicest man in advertising’. I used to cycle to work as well, and enjoyed kitchen chats with Ross on this topic – and knowing that if I ever had an issue with my bike he’d be there to help. What a huge loss, life is truly unfair. All the best to the community up there Xoxo
Ross was an all-around top bloke. He was naturally and unpretentiously cool (not that he would ever see himself in that light). He had a cool, level head and matching sunnies for any occasion.
Rosco seemed to have a ‘knowing’ – a quiet wisdom that led him to what was right. He was gentle and considerate, and many people took refuge in his calm bay when waters around them were choppy.
For years, Ross and I lived in the same hood. I took great joy in chatting with him at the traffic lights and exchanging the many casual waves as he cruised by on that red Vespa.
We can learn a lot from Ross. I know I have. Rest in peace mate.
Much love to Mandy and the family.
Smerdo
Excellent words Thommo.
I loved working with Ross when I was at GPY&R. He was a great person to be with. Such a good human. I have two stories:
When our daughter Rose was born I was crapping it. Did not know what to do and was given lots of advice by friends and family. Ross sent me an article with the headline Raising a Daughter Gets Better Every Day. And we had a chat about it. Ross was wise beyond his years.
We were shooting an ad for Queensland Health which had a few layers of politics to it. Ross turned up a day before the shoot on his red Vespa with a Gurni strapped to his back to clean the outside of the building because it was not up to Ross’s standards. Told no one he was doing it, just did it. The phone calls from Queensland Health were brilliant. And he did a great job of the walls too.
One of the very best and loved the guy. He made everything better.
Reading the tributes here, I’m reminded how incredibly lucky I was to have had Ross as my first real experience of creative leadership during my time at Grantley Cogzell Benn from ’98 to ’06. He was this strikingly handsome, youthful guy with his name on the door—most impressive – and holy cow, that legendary ponytail! But beyond his looks, what really made Ross special was his genuine talent and the warmth he brought to everyone around him.
Ross embodied impeccable ethics and high standards, and he was always ready to give his all to the BAD Club, serving as a committee member and President with such dedication, even while running his own agency. But when I think about Ross what really comes to mind is the devotion he always had to his family—Mandy, Jordi, Lilly, and Frankie. It was truly something to behold. The last time we caught up was at the 2018 BAD Awards, and it felt like no time had passed at all. He hadn’t changed one bit, and it was so heartwarming to reconnect. I’m grateful we had the chance. Ross will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’ll cherish the impact he had on my life and career, as I’m know will many, many others.
Rich B, that is a great memory. Along with the Energex Storm Season shoot where Ross arrived with a full trailer load of branches cut from his own backyard so he could make sure the scene looked realistic!
AND he even drank their actual coffee on a Coffee Club shoot once. What a bloody legend.
To watch the Live Stream of the Service, please use this link. Tissues, a stiff drink and a quiet space advised.
https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcyNDAwMDQ2MDE0MTk1ODgmb25lcm9vbS1lbWFpbCZpbnZpdGF0aW9uX2NvcHlfbGluaw%3D%3D&fbclid=IwY2xjawEypsxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeFwqZj0stvXJzAM5KoCy4o7DY1H-ALLrFfqt04ENT5l_OmpDajwd_t3Pg_aem_hJlhHGeBrXay-oY3ZoSODg