Clive Holland, former chairman of Young & Rubicam Europe, has died aged 81.
Holland worked at TBWA before making his name at Y&R in London in the 1980s and 1990s – before the takeover by WPP – where he was known for his client-facing skills.
He later served as managing director and executive vice president at Gray International, overseeing brands such as GSK and BAT, and remained a global account leader even after the sale to WPP.
Holland later served as chairman of the creative agency Futureproof.
Outside of the advertising world, he played a leading role in the Brain & Spine Foundation for three decades since its founding in 1992. Until 2020, he served as a trustee of the charity, helping it raise over £50 million.
Holland knew “how to lead with intelligence, kindness and empathy” and was “one of the unsung heroes of our industry,” said Rupert Howell, a former Y&R colleague and HHCL co-founder who is now chairman of System1.
“Clive trained and nurtured a world-class customer service department when Y&R was the best, most creative and fastest-growing multinational agency in London,” said Howell. “He did this quietly, without seeking personal recognition, and was therefore loved by all his colleagues and clients. He was also a true champion of Y&R’s charity clients, devoting much of his free time to them.”
Others in the industry acknowledged this on LinkedIn. Tim Lindsay, chairman of D&AD, described Holland as “lovable, friendly and unflappable”. He added: “Of the 21 opportunities to eat out in a week, Clive probably spent 10 of them with clients. A proper old school accountant and brilliant at it. RIP.”
David Patton, Grey’s former EMEA CEO, said: “Clive was such a quiet, considerate and charming person.” Patton praised “the warmth, care and passion he had for his team, his customers and his family.”
Holland and his family, including his then-young daughter Lucy, spearheaded the Brain and Spine Foundation media launch at the Royal College of Surgeons in 1992.
Peter Hamlyn, a neurosurgeon and president of the Brain and Spine Foundation, paid tribute to his fellow trustee.
“Clive has been a driving force throughout the foundation’s 30-year history,” Hamlyn said. “His determination to improve the lives of people with neurological diseases was unwavering. He was a man of vision, generosity and deep integrity. We owe him a great debt of gratitude. Our deepest condolences go out to the entire Holland family.”
Holland died of complications from Parkinson’s disease.
