An Advertising Icon Passes

The man responsible for turning San Francisco into the innovative realm of advertising, Hal Riney, died at the age of 75 on Monday, March 24th. He spent his career building upbeat, low-key advertising campaigns which proved very successful in his 50 years dedicated the the advertising industry. He is most well-known for his campaigns for Saturn and especially the re-election of President Ronald Reagan.

Advertising Age ranked Mr. Riney's advertising agency as the 30th on a top ten advertising figures of the 20th century. Advertising campaigns for companies such as Saturn, General Motors, Bartles and Jaymes appeared in other Advertising Age lists of top advertising campaigns as well.

He made use of a subtle strategy, one that utilized subtlety and humor. Always direct and sincere, the advertising plans managed to incorporate humor with the casual soft sell approach. This approach to advertising won Mr. Riney hundreds of awards, some of which included 19 Clios, 15 Addys, and 5 Gold Lions at the International Advertising Festival.

His lifetime achievements in the advertising industry are huge, and his powerful methods are utilized by the very best in an attempt to recreate his success.

[Elliot, Stuart. "Hal Riney, Adman for Reagan and G.M., Dies at 75." The New York Times 26
Mar. 2008. 13 Apr. 2008 media/26riney.html?sq=international advertising.html>. ]