Vale Creative Director Brian Jefferson: a Great Mentor, Consummate Craftsman and True Leader
The advertising industry will be saddened to hear of the passing of Brian Jefferson, the highly awarded Group Creative Director of CHE Proximity. Brian has passed away after a 20-month battle with cancer. He was 39.
Brian – or Bri as he was fondly known – hailed from Middlesbrough in the North East of England. He began his career in London where he teamed up with his long-time writer, Ben Stainlay, in 2006.
In 2010 Brian and Ben moved to Sydney where they first worked at Host and then in 2012 moved to M&C Saatchi as Creative Group Heads. In 2016 they joined CHE Proximity as inaugural hires of the fledgling Sydney office.
Brian was instrumental in building the team and the culture of CHE Proximity, an agency that has since gone on to become one of the most successful agencies in the country. His recent campaigns for Lego, Cochlear Hearing and Velocity Frequent Flyer have picked up multiple awards at Cannes, Clio, Spikes, D&AD and One Show.
He was a great mentor, a consummate craftsman and a true leader.
One who will be so sadly missed by many in the industry.
His life will be celebrated tomorrow afternoon (Saturday 17th August) at 2pm at the One More Shot Pond, Centennial Park – s/e corner, just off Musgrave Ave.
Drinks will follow at 3pm at The DOG Hotel, Randwick.
Dress code: casual. And his partner Elaine, has asked if you can wear a dash of red as a nod to his beloved ‘Boro’ footy club.
Read tributes to Jefferson on Facebook
Below is a tribute to Jefferson from Tom McFarlane, founding creative director of M&C Saatchi Australia:
22 Comments
Go well Bri. Rest in peace, legend.
RIP Brian. You will be missed.
Pleasure to have known you Bri. RIP.
One of the very, very best. I owe this guy so much. Way back in my student days Brian and Ben tutored my partner and I at D&AD Workshops (award school equivalent) and they both gave us so much time and invaluable advice. That continued beyond the workshops. As we spammed them to oblivion with idea after terrible idea, but they were kind, patient and inspiring with their feedback. Fast forward a few years and our paths crossed on other side of the world. First at Host, then again as building mates at CHE. Still the same super-grounded ledge with the dryest banter. Top bloke. Terrible taste in footy teams, though. R.I.P., man. And thank you.
So sad and sorry to hear. Brian was a Yorkshire gent; witty and brilliant
I loved Bri’s straight up, no bullshit manner. Not just a fantastic creative he was a top flight human. A terrible loss for all his family and friends. RIP Bri. xxx
So sad to hear this news. RIP Brian
Such sad news. Brian was a true Yorkshire gent; witty, droll and brilliant. Rest in peace
Sad to hear this news, Brian was a legend.
My thoughts and well wishes to the family.
RIP Bri, hope the view up there in Boro heaven is great.
Everyone loved Brian at Macquarie Street.Such a lovely man taken far too early.
Truly heart breaking. You were such an amazing human. What a sad loss.
Better for knowing him.So talented and so caring.
Funny, sincere, loyal, talented. Genuinely one of the best blokes you could call a friend. Will miss you, Bri. RIP my friend.
We consider ourselves very lucky to have crossed paths with Bri. A truly great and genuine guy, whose level of craft and creativity was world-class. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
Brian was was on his way to a stellar career.Great loss to the industry and a even greater loss to his many friends.
Such sad news. One of the most talented creatives I’ve ever worked with and one of the most genuine people you could hope to meet. RIP mate. x
One of the good guys. Go well, mate.
You will be missed.
Brian was someone you’ll forever remember. Positive, inspirational and hugely creative. He always saw the positive side of thing. A really genuine human with a terrific sense of humour. My thoughts go out to Elaine, his family and friends.
You were one of the funniest desk neighbours in the short time I worked with you. Thank you for faith in me and inspiration. See you on the other side.
One of the best creatives the industry has seen. So passionate about the craft and devoted to delivering the best work. An inspirational mentor and friend to so many. Miss you already Bri. Love you mate.
I’m truly deeply sadden with the loss of Brian. aka northern bloody monkey…..He brilliant, An inspirational leader, well crafted and an incredible creative talent that will be sorely missed by his enthusiasm and passion for his craft was next to nothing. R.I.P Brian and thank you for sharing your laughter and creativity with us all mate.