Vale the legendary Susie Henry ~ Beloved by all who crossed her path, Susie was world-class
The Australian ad industry will be saddened to hear of the passing of the renowned and much loved Susie Henry, who died yesterday after a long illness.
Joining Leo Burnett, Sydney (then known as Connaghan & May) in 1985 as the assistant to the CEO, Susie held the position for many years working for various leaders in advertising before moving to become the face of Leo’s at reception.
Leo Burnett has posted a statement on its LinkedIn page: “The Australian Advertising community lost an absolute legend yesterday. She wasn’t an award-winning creative or a CEO. She was the iconic receptionist at Leo Burnett for almost 40 years. She was a gift. They don’t make them like Susie Henry anymore. We’ll have a bucket of wine for you real soon special lady.”
Said Susie when celebrating 30 years at Leo’s in 2015: “My happiness is greeting people, making them feel welcome and relaxed. If there is a secret, it’s being genuine. I enjoy what I do, and I think that shows.
“I just love working at Leo Burnett. Mostly I try to make coming into this agency a pleasure for all who do – and that includes staff, clients and delivery boys.”
Beloved by all who crossed her path, Susie was world-class. Famous for her welcoming smile, over-the-top fashion – always with major jewelry and bling – along with her wicked sense of humour, Susie was the heartbeat of the agency.
In recognition of her outstanding tenure after 35 years at the agency, a few talented Burnetters (both past and present) created a short film, ‘Don’t Be Ridiculous’, to celebrate her unique story:
11 Comments
Oh what sad news – vale x
I knew Susie for my entire career – she was such a gem! They broke the mold after Susie arrived, one super special gal. And wonderful to see an agency who truly valued this divine lady. Vale Susie. ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
During my 18 months at the agency back a decade or so ago there were times – many – when the highlight of my day was a funny exchange with this witty, knowing, unforgettable lady.
She was a gem.
She will be missed.
Bye bye Susie…will never forget our long chats on how the industry changed over the past four decades. You will be missed by so many.
what an utterly fabulous woman. so sad she’s gone.
What an incredible woman. Reminds you agencies aren’t just about leadership level.
I met Susie one time. Only once. I was a media vendor visiting Leo’s and she made feel at home, shared a story or ten while waiting at reception and made me feel welcome. It takes a lot to bring someone into a different environment. People like Susie with personality, humility and openness deserve celebration for the impact they had. Vale Susie.
she was the greatest. such a warm, funny and caring woman.
“I don’t quite know why I am so strange…but it just happened.”
I’m glad she didn’t find out.
shattered….particularly as I’ve only just seen this. Worked with the gorgeous Susie in the Lintas days when she kept the wonderful Bruce Harris in line…ha! and later at Burnetts. In those days it wasn’t ‘don’t be ridiculous’ that she uttered it was always ‘SHREIK!’ Susie will always be unique or should we say – nice, different, unusual. Shriek Suze, what are we gonna do without you xxxx
I worked with Susie at Lintas when I was there 1976-82 and have such great memories of her. A genuine and wonderful soul. Vale Susie. Hope our paths cross again one day…