Adland has paid tribute to Ogilvy behavioural scientist Sam Tatam after losing his battle with cancer at age 39.
David Fox, former CEO of Ogilvy Australia and New Zealand and Memac Ogilvy, shared a heartfelt post on LinkedIn describing Tatam as a “rare breed” who was “humble, razor-sharp, with a cheeky sense of humour and an endless supply of big ideas.”
“A devoted family man at heart, he made a mark on the ad industry and on all of us who were lucky enough to know him.”
Among Tatam’s work celebrated by Fox in the post was his book Evolutionary Ideas and Ogilvy Australia’s Behavioural Science practice which he launched at 28.
“His vision and creativity shaped something truly special that will live on well beyond his years. His role in helping reshape Ogilvy Australia at a pivotal moment showed that real leadership doesn’t always need the biggest title in the room, it just needs focus, teamwork and a will to win.
“Sam’s time with us was far too short. He leaves behind his beautiful young family along with countless friends and colleagues whose lives he touched deeply. I know everyone from his time at Ogilvy Australia and Ogilvy UK are hurting right now. No words can really fix the feeling of losing Sam.”
Industry leaders also shared tributes including outgoing WPP Media CEO Mark Read, who said: “I am so sorry to hear this news. I know how much Sam meant to so many people.”
Innocean Australia’s Chief Strategy Officer Giorgia Butler, who said: “This breaks my heart. Sam was a true gentleman, a kind and delightful human, sharp as a tack and so much fun to work with. He made every day feel playful and joyous. Everybody loved him to bits. Me included. The world had lost one of its best inhabitants. A special man indeed.”
Tony Vella, AKQA executive director pf operations for APAC, said: “Devastating news! Such a brilliant human. You cross many paths in a lifetime, but not many have such an immediately warm, positive and long-standing impact than what Sam did. Rest in peace.”
While Gavin MacMillan, Managing Director at Ogilvy Melbourne, said: “We will miss you Sam. Such a passionate craftsman. Never said or thought a bad thing about anyone. Always saw the best in everything. An inspiration.”
A week before his passing, Tatam took to LinkedIn to share his news and invite his network to contribute a short video reflecting on memories, impacts and connections with him.
He wrote: “This isn’t for me – it’s for my two young daughters, Mila (Mee-lah) and Riley. I want them to grow up with a sense of who their dad was, what he stood for, and the influence he may have had on those around him.
“Your words will mean the world to me – and one day, to them. I am so lucky to be surrounded by love and support from around the world. I will do my best to respond to any personal messages – sorry if I’m not able to respond to them all directly right away.”