Ari Weiss Death & Obituary: Remembering Ari Weiss: A Visionary in Advertising
The advertising industry has lost one of its most brilliant and trailblazing creatives, Ari Weiss, who passed away on Friday after a courageous battle with cancer. At just 46 years old, Ari’s passing marks the end of a remarkable 25-year career that forever transformed advertising with his bold ideas, fearless creativity, and groundbreaking campaigns. Born and raised in Berkeley, California, Ari’s contributions to the industry were profound, and his influence will continue to shape the future of advertising for generations to come.
A Journey of Creative Brilliance
Ari’s career began in the late 1990s with an internship at Goodby Silverstein & Partners (GS&P) in San Francisco. Even as a young copywriter, his exceptional talent and unique perspective set him apart. His early experiences at Cliff Freeman and Partners, BBDO, Wieden+Kennedy, and 180LA shaped his innovative approach, allowing him to push creative boundaries and produce memorable, award-winning campaigns.
In 2011, Ari’s career took a significant leap when he joined BBH New York, where he quickly rose to Chief Creative Officer (CCO). Under his leadership, BBH earned prestigious awards, further cementing Ari’s reputation as a visionary in the industry. His next major move came when he joined DDB, first as North American CCO and later as Global CCO.
During his time at DDB, Ari led the agency to new heights, culminating in DDB’s first-ever “Network of the Year” win at the 2023 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. His creative direction helped the agency break new ground, producing campaigns that redefined storytelling in advertising.
Founding Quality Experience (QX)
Despite his success in large agencies, Ari longed for a more personal and hands-on approach to creativity. In early 2024, he founded Quality Experience (QX), a boutique creative agency built on the principle that brand-consumer interactions should create mutual value. He assembled a talented team—including Cristina Reina, Colleen Leddy, and Dan Gonda—to bring his vision to life.
QX quickly made an impact with compelling campaigns for brands like Shutterfly and Tonal, showcasing Ari’s continued passion for innovation and storytelling. Though still in its early stages, QX was poised to follow in the bold and groundbreaking footsteps that defined Ari’s legendary career.
Revolutionizing Advertising with Bold Creativity
Ari Weiss was responsible for some of the most memorable and unconventional advertising campaigns of his time. His work for Skittles, Starburst, Twix, Miller Lite, Coors Light, McDonald’s, and Volkswagen left an indelible mark on the industry.
One of his most iconic projects was the 2019 “Broadway the Rainbow” campaign for Skittles. Instead of a traditional Super Bowl ad, Ari created a one-night-only branded musical starring Michael C. Hall, which playfully critiqued the advertising world itself. The production, featuring songs like “Advertising Ruins Everything,” became an instant hit, proving Ari’s genius for blending humor, storytelling, and marketing in unprecedented ways.
A Mentor and Inspiration
Beyond his creative achievements, Ari was known for his generosity and mentorship. He nurtured young talent, sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of creatives. Many in the industry credit Ari for shaping their careers and teaching them to embrace risk-taking, originality, and the power of great storytelling.
A Lasting Legacy
Ari’s passing has left a deep void, but his influence will live on through the unforgettable work he created and the people he inspired. He was more than a creative genius—he was a leader, mentor, and friend. His ability to bring out the best in those around him and push the industry forward will be his enduring legacy.
Ari is survived by his devoted wife, Dara, and their children, Layla, Luca, and Lev. His family, friends, and colleagues deeply mourn his loss, with tributes pouring in from across the advertising world. He is also survived by his parents, Marylin and Abe, his sister Lara, and his brothers Adam and Ilan, along with his sisters-in-law, Ellen and Alicyn.
As a tribute to Ari’s remarkable career, a reel featuring the “Broadway the Rainbow” campaign will be made public, showcasing some of his most iconic work.
Honoring Ari Weiss’ Impact
The advertising world has lost an extraordinary creative mind, but Ari’s legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. His work remains a testament to the power of imagination, the importance of taking risks, and the lasting impact of bold creativity.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his contributions continue to shape the future of advertising for years to come.