Sir Niall Lynch-Robinson, the first chairman of Leo Burnett in London,
has died at the age of 78.
Lynch-Robinson headed the UK office from its start in 1969, when the
London Press Exchange was bought by the Chicago agency, Leo Burnett,
until he retired in 1978.
During that time, the company originated such memorable campaigns as
‘Double Diamond works wonders’.
His career began by selling ad space at the Times until, in 1939, he was
commissioned by the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. His war record
includes receiving a Distinguished Service Cross and a Croix de Guerre.
After the war he returned to the Times before switching to the creative
side with a move to the London Press Exchange.
‘His wisdom, compassion, concern and even-handedness made him one of the
best chairmen any company ever had,’ said Bob Stanners, who was creative
director at Burnetts under Lynch-Robinson.
