Flag at half-mast above Whybin\TBWA as mark of respect to mourn passing of 2degrees CEO Eric Hertz and wife Kathy after tragic aircraft accident

The flag is flying at half-mast over the Whybin\TBWA office in Auckland today; a mark of respect to mourn the passing of Eric Hertz, CEO of 2degrees, and wife Kathy, after their tragic aircraft accident at the weekend.

Whybin\TBWA NZ founder David Walden, reflects on the man who grabbed New Zealand’s telco industry by the horns and gave it the shake up Kiwi’s deserved: “Eric was a great client who became a good friend, both to Andy Blood and I personally, and to the wider agency,” says Walden.

“It was remarkable that Eric, an American, allowed us to really build an iconic Kiwi brand for 2degrees and embrace all of the subtle kiwi-ness that us ‘Aotearoan’s’ display.”

Adds Executive Creative Director, Andy Blood: “Eric took our advice and empowered us to develop the Rhys character and 2degrees brand personality. The result was that the agency produced some of the work we are most proud of.”

“He was the consumate CEO; smart, very likeable, and had the much sought after combination of integrity and ambition. You wanted to do your best work for him,” says Blood.

On behalf of the agency, Walden extends his deepest condolences. “Our thoughts are with the staff at 2degrees, and with Eric and Kathy’s family at this extremely difficult and challenging time,” adds Walden.