Business visionary Mark Goldstein, renowned as the 'Guru of New Business,' passes away at 77 years old.
Mark Goldstein: A Legacy of Mentorship and Industry Impact
Mark Goldstein, a renowned advertising executive who passed away on July 31, 2022, at the age of 77, leaves behind a lasting impression on the advertising industry. His mentorship style, characterized by generosity, irreverent humor, and a deep commitment to developing talent, profoundly impacted generations of advertising professionals [1][3].
Goldstein's impact on the advertising industry was substantial. He helped reshape agency leadership roles by becoming the first executive to hold the title of Chief Marketing Officer at an agency, which established a growth-driven leadership model. In that role at BBDO, he was instrumental in bringing over $4 billion in new business and guiding agencies like Fallon to grow their billings from $185 million to $1 billion, securing major clients such as Citi, BMW, United Airlines, and Nikon [1].
Goldstein's legacy is remembered not only in business metrics but also through the culture of mentorship and leadership he cultivated, which influenced agency leadership styles and promoted the importance of nurturing talent across the advertising sector [1][3]. Tributes from colleagues and protégés highlight his enduring role as a mentor who combined deep industry knowledge with a passion for language and ideas [1].
One such protégé is Khartoon Weiss, head of North America sales at TikTok, who credited Goldstein with shaping her career and worldview. Weiss described him as a father figure who led with love [1]. David Lubars, chairman and chief creative officer at BBDO, remembered Goldstein as a strategic genius and a decent and joyful human being [1].
Goldstein spent his career at agencies such as Leo Burnett, Fallon, IPG, BBDO, and founded Eleven in 2010. His consultancy advised agency CEOs on new business strategy, leadership development, and long-term growth planning. He overcame a childhood stutter to become a renowned speaker and presenter. Goldstein was a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and was inducted into its Alumni Hall of Fame [1].
In the final years of his life, Goldstein continued mentoring and advising executives. He lived in Naples, Florida, before relocating to Denver in 2024 to be closer to his daughter. Goldstein is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda; their daughter, Jenna Gold; and his brothers Robert and Don Goldstein and their families [2].
Goldstein will be remembered for his pioneering work in new business, generosity, irreverent humor, and profound impact as a mentor. His name, Eleven, was a reference to the film "This Is Spinal Tap," symbolizing his approach to business and life - loud, audacious, and full of energy [1].
- Mark Goldstein, during his final years, continued to mentor and advise executives, embodying a legacy of leadership and industry impact that extended beyond his career at agencies like BBDO, Fallon, and Eleven.
- Goldstein's consultancy, Eleven, focused on new business strategy, leadership development, and long-term growth planning, demonstrating his commitment to fostering growth in the finance and business sectors.
- Khartoon Weiss, head of North America sales at TikTok, attributed her career and worldview to Goldstein's mentorship, describing him as a father figure who led with love and a deep understanding of the industry.
- As a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Goldstein overcame a childhood stutter to become a renowned speaker and presenter, furthering his impact as a leader in the advertising world.
