The Marketing Skills Trust, Ogilvy UK and Rapp UK are launching a mentorship program in memory of former Ogilvy One CEO Mike Dodds and his wife Claire Dodds, who was a teacher and supporter of domestic violence survivors.
The first Dodds Legacy Program will take place on January 28th at Ogilvy’s London office.
It will include a final keynote from Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, who will share his views on confidence, creativity and unconventional career paths.
The mentoring program is open to 30 people; Applications can be submitted here until January 16th.
The event is inspired by Mike and Claire’s life and work style. Claire died last year and Mike died the year before, in 2024.
The program aims to support aspiring marketers and those in the early stages of their marketing careers. It is also designed to increase participants’ confidence, clarity and career momentum and provides the opportunity to meet people in the industry and choose a mentor.
Mike was one of them leading UK direct marketing and CRM agency leadersand is remembered by colleagues for his strong and friendly leadership. Claire, on the other hand, offered reassurance, strength and practical guidance at crucial moments.
Mike worked at Ogilvy from 1996 to 2008 and became CEO of Ogilvy One before serving in the same role at Omnicom’s Proximity in 2008 and then CEO at Rapp. He left Omnicom in 2021 after supporting Proximity’s merger with sister agency Rapp.
Nick Dixon, group chief executive of Salocin Group, where Dodds took on the role of advisory director in 2022, said he was “one of the great leaders in direct marketing and CRM”.
The Dodds Legacy Program is led by Luisa Baldini and Louisa Preston, founders of Composure Media.
Dame Annette King, global head of the marketing practice at Accenture Song, who worked with Dodds during his time at Ogilvy, a subsidiary of WPP, said: “He was the epitome of a strong, servant leader. He never sought personal glory but encouraged it for others.”
Dame Cilla Snowball, former chair and chief executive of AMV Group, who worked with him within the Omnicom group, said he was “loved, respected and admired.”
Both Ogilvy One London and Proximity were named Campaign Agency of the Year during the periods Mike was at the helm. During his time at Proximity he was also named one of Campaign’s ten best suits and helped the Omnicom shop become the first UK direct marketing agency to win a Cannes Lions Grand Prix for their collaboration The Economist.
Claire and Mike are survived by their children Hannah, Ellie and Matt.
Martin Troughton, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Marketing Skills Trust, said: “Mike and Claire were special people and it’s great to support The Dodds Legacy as it lives on in the spirit in which they lived their lives. With this initiative we are ensuring we support young people to fulfill their potential and boost their self-confidence.”
