The advertising world has lost one of its most visionary and trailblazing creatives, Ari Weiss, who passed away on Friday after a courageous and prolonged battle with cancer. At just 46 years old, Ari’s death marks the end of a remarkable 25-year career that forever changed the landscape of advertising with his imaginative, innovative, and bold ideas. Born and raised in Berkeley, California, Ari’s contributions to the industry were profound, and his legacy will continue to influence generations of creative minds in advertising for years to come.
Ari’s journey into advertising began in the late 1990s when he took on an internship as a copywriter at Goodby Silverstein & Partners (GS&P) in San Francisco. Even as a young intern, Ari’s potential was unmistakable. His creativity, sharp writing, and unique perspective quickly garnered attention, setting the stage for a distinguished career that would take him to some of the world’s most respected agencies. After gaining invaluable experience at GS&P, Ari went on to work at renowned agencies such as Cliff Freeman and Partners, BBDO, Wieden+Kennedy, and 180LA. His early work was marked by a fearless approach to creativity, where he constantly pushed boundaries, creating campaigns that were as daring as they were memorable.
In 2011, Ari joined BBH New York, where his career took a significant leap forward. His leadership abilities and creative vision led him to rise quickly through the ranks, ultimately becoming the Chief Creative Officer (CCO). During his tenure at BBH, Ari helped elevate the agency to new heights, winning prestigious awards and accolades along the way. His success at BBH set the stage for his next monumental role at DDB, where he spent seven transformative years shaping the agency’s creative direction.
At DDB, Ari was first appointed as North American CCO and later promoted to global CCO. His time at DDB was nothing short of historic. In 2023, the agency won its first-ever Network of the Year award at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, a milestone that was largely due to Ari’s visionary leadership. Under his direction, DDB’s campaigns continued to break new ground and win accolades, solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s top creative agencies.
However, despite his success in large corporate settings, Ari yearned for something more personal—something that allowed him to return to the roots of creative work. In early 2024, driven by a desire to once again immerse himself in the creative process and embrace a more entrepreneurial approach, Ari founded Quality Experience (QX), a boutique creative agency. QX was built on the principle that every brand-consumer interaction should create mutual value, a philosophy that Ari held dear throughout his career. He carefully assembled a team of highly skilled industry executives, including Cristina Reina, Colleen Leddy, and Dan Gonda, to help bring his vision for the agency to life.
QX’s debut projects quickly garnered attention, with compelling campaigns for brands like Shutterfly and Tonal. Ari’s creative genius shone brightly through these projects, as he brought his unique approach to crafting engaging and meaningful brand stories. Though QX was still in its early stages, it was clear that the agency would follow in the same bold and innovative footsteps that defined Ari’s earlier work.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ari Weiss was behind some of the most memorable and audacious advertising campaigns for major global brands. His work for brands such as Skittles, Starburst, Twix, Miller Lite, Coors Light, McDonald’s, and Volkswagen was groundbreaking in both its creativity and its impact on the industry. One of his most iconic campaigns was the 2019 “Broadway the Rainbow” project for Skittles. In this daring campaign, Ari convinced the brand to forgo a traditional Super Bowl commercial in favor of a one-night-only branded musical at New York’s Town Hall. The production, which starred Michael C. Hall, was a hilarious and self-referential satire of the advertising industry, featuring memorable musical numbers like “Advertising Ruins Everything.” The campaign became an instant hit, showcasing Ari’s unique ability to blend humor, innovation, and creativity in ways that no one else had dared to before.
Ari’s ability to take risks and create bold, unconventional ideas set him apart as a true visionary in the advertising world. He consistently pushed the boundaries of what was possible in advertising, and his work influenced not just the brands he worked with but also the entire advertising industry. His campaigns were known for their creativity, wit, and ability to engage audiences in ways that felt authentic, making an indelible impression on both consumers and fellow creatives.
Beyond his work as a creative director, Ari was known for his mentorship and support of young talent. He was a generous teacher, always willing to share his knowledge and experience with up-and-coming creatives. His influence extended far beyond his own work, and many in the industry credit Ari with shaping their careers and teaching them the true meaning of innovation in advertising. Ari’s legacy as a mentor and role model will continue to inspire countless creatives who had the privilege of working with him.
Ari’s passing has left a void in the advertising world, but his contributions will live on in the work he leaves behind. He was more than just a creative genius—he was a leader, a mentor, and a friend. His ability to inspire those around him and bring out the best in others is part of the enduring legacy that he leaves behind. Ari’s impact on the advertising industry cannot be overstated, and his creative spirit will continue to shape the industry for years to come.
Ari Weiss is survived by his devoted wife, Dara, and their children, Layla, Luca, and Lev. His family, friends, and colleagues are deeply mourning his loss, and tributes are pouring in from across the advertising world, as well as from those who were touched by his creativity, generosity, and infectious enthusiasm. Ari’s parents, Marylin and Abe, his sister Lara, and his brothers Adam and Ilan, along with his sisters-in-law, Ellen and Alicyn, are also grieving the loss of a beloved family member.
As the advertising industry continues to remember and honor Ari’s legacy, a reel featuring the “Broadway the Rainbow” campaign will be made available to the public, with plans to update it with additional highlights from his remarkable career. Ari’s contributions to advertising, his groundbreaking ideas, and his fearless approach to creativity will be remembered for years to come.
The world has lost an extraordinary creative mind, but Ari’s spirit and legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. His work will remain a testament to the power of imagination, the importance of taking risks, and the lasting impact of great advertising. May his soul rest in peace, and may his groundbreaking contributions continue to shape the future of the advertising world for generations to come.
