McCann Worldgroup founder John Dooner dies at 77

Founder of McCann Worldgroup, John J. Dooner Jr, has passed away.

Dooner spent his extensive career at McCann, which he joined in 1984.

He worked on clients like Coke and Gillette until 1992, when he was promoted to president and CEO of McCann Erickson for eight years.

McCann Worldgroup housed agencies including McCann, MRM, Momentum, McCann Health, and Craft.

The McCann Worldgroup brand has been absorbed by Omnicom since the acquisition of IPG in November.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of John J. Dooner, Jr., who died peacefully on December 31, surrounded by family and friends," said his family on LinkedIn.

"He will be remembered for his love, integrity and generous spirit."

Dooner was also briefly chairman and CEO of McCann’s parent company, Interpublic Group (IPG), where he led the acquisition of True North.

He then returned to lead McCann Worldgroup as chairman, before becoming Chairman Emeritus.

Dooner served as chairman of the Ad Council, vice chairman of the 4A’s, and working closely with the AEF to support advertising education.

He engaged in public service activities including Peace One Day and Product Red, and became the first world-wide chairman of the United Way.

He was inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame in 2019.

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