Vale well-loved ad man Luke Dunkerley: he had a generosity of spirit and willingness to mentor the next generation of Australian creatives

The Australian advertising and retail community is mourning the loss of Luke Dunkerley, a respected strategist and creative leader whose career spanned decades and left a lasting imprint on some of the country’s most recognisable brands. Dunkerley passed away on Friday, bringing to a close a career defined by bold thinking, a collaborative spirit, and an unerring instinct for connecting with audiences.

Dunkerley was best known for his leadership roles at Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, The Campaign Palace, M&C Saatchi and STW Village, then later at Woolworths, where his vision helped steer the supermarket giant’s marketing through a highly competitive retail era. His work was marked by an ability to combine sharp commercial insight with a deep understanding of consumer sentiment — a skill that earned him both industry accolades and the respect of colleagues, clients, and competitors alike.

Friends and peers remember Dunkerley not only for his professional achievements, but also for his generosity of spirit and his willingness to mentor the next generation of creatives. His influence can be seen in the campaigns that shaped national conversations, in the teams he nurtured, and in the enduring relationships he built throughout his career. His passing is a profound loss to the industry, but his legacy will continue to inspire those who strive to match his passion and dedication.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dunkerley was a passionate advocate for pancreatic cancer research, serving as a director for the PanKind Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

A post from PanKind on Facebook paid tribute to Dunkerley:

“We are heartbroken to share the devastating news that our dear friend and colleague, Luke Dunkerley, passed away last Friday.
Luke has been a deeply valued and instrumental part of Pankind from the very beginning, first as a passionate supporter of his friend and colleague, Avner Nahmani, and then as a long-standing board member. His commitment to improving outcomes for people impacted by pancreatic cancer has been unwavering.

“Over many years, Luke played a pivotal role in raising national awareness and driving political support for greater research and funding, creating campaigns such as The Cancer of Our Generation and Put Your Foot Down Walks. His voice and advocacy brought visibility to one of the most intractable health challenges in Australia, and his legacy will be felt by so many in the years to come. Tragically, in 2024, Luke was diagnosed with the very disease he had worked tirelessly to raise awareness of and change outcomes for.

“We are grateful for everything Luke has done, for Pankind, for people impacted by pancreatic cancer, and for our broader mission. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”