Vale adman and R U OK? founder Gavin Larkin

The ad industry – and indeed the wider community – will be saddened to hear of the passing of Sydney adman and R U OK? Day founder and CEO Gavin Larkin, who died yesterday afternoon at 3.28pm, less than a week after he witnessed the third annual R U OK? Day on September 15.

Larkin started his advertising career in1996 with John Singleton Advertising, Sydney. Over the next six years he specialized in running major international and local accounts such as KFC, PIzza Hut, Glaxo Smith Kline, MLC, NSW Lotteries, Warner Village Theme Parks, Guinness and Kimberly Clark.

The resulting success and skill set he developed led to an offer from Taco Bell USA to revitalize their brand, business and agency relationships. During the period of 2002, 2003 to 2004 Taco Bell achieved unparalleled success putting $1billion dollars in NPAT to the bottom-line and winning the US Marketing Effectiveness Awards three times.

Larkin returned to Australia to re-join the STW Group, resulting instead in a brief role as managing director of Y&R brands. In March 2006 thebrandshop, Sydney was created by STW and he led this successfully until February 2010.

He started his working life with the Australian Stock Exchange, as one of the last ‘chalkie’s’ on the trading floor, and experienced the stock market crash in October 1987.

He went on to be made Head Board Broker in the ASX Options Exchange, eventually being hired by Potts, West, Trumbull where he received his broking license. During this time he completed the Securities Institute of Australia certificate, qualifying him as a financial planner.

Craving a creative outlet he had the opportunity to establish his own clothing label -Bait Clothing Co – which was ranged in 10 boutiques throughout Sydney. Specializing in men’s and women’s street wear it was here that he learned at the coalface (using his own money) not only the importance of brand and marketing but the power they can provide to overall business and operations success when harnessed and activated effectively.

Larkin’s greatest achievement was his last career move, founding R U OK? in February 2009. Australia’s first national suicide prevention movement to be supported by all major mental health and suicide prevention sector partners. The aim was to reduce the stigma of suicide and address the number of people attempting suicide (up to 65,000 per year!) and actually taking their lives – 2500.

Based on the premise that ‘a conversation can change a life’ R U OK? Day is a national day of action to drive greater connection between friends, loved ones and colleagues and stop little problems getting bigger.

In its inaugural year over 1million Australians took part and over 300 of our largest companies including The Commonwealth Bank, Lion Nathan, The ABC, News Ltd, PWC and the NSW Fire Brigade took place in the workplace initiative.