Adam Wade 17/6/1978-26/6/2020
Adam Wade, a much-loved media industry figure, died unexpectedly June 26. He was aged just 42.
He was an outstanding digital and media talent with more than 20 years of experience at media agencies in both London and Sydney.
His industry expertise and expansive knowledge in the digital field made him a valued partner for his clients. Coupled with his vitality and zest for life, he was the energy everyone wanted working on their business.
Adam arrived in Sydney from London in 2006 and kicked off his Australian career at Media Contacts, followed by time at eMitch and Mitchells.
He then went on to become a well recognised and respected face in the Carat family, heading up the digital team until 2014, including the time when Aegis acquired Mitchells in a full circle media moment.
Adam later went on to run the Amobee Media Business 2014-2019.
During his career he worked with a diverse range of clients including IAG, HSBC, YUM Foods, David Jones, Woolworths Group, Virgin Australia, Hoyts, Freedom Furniture and Optus.
His friends and colleagues say Adam was exceptional at his craft, but it was his wonderful personality that made him a highly regarded and much-loved industry figure.
Fiona Harrop:
He nurtured and developed his teams, instilling excellence and a love of digital that made us all strive to do our best. He developed strong lasting relationships with clients, agencies and publishers with his warm nature and his foresight and aptitude for innovation.
His leadership style was well ahead of his time, creating a fun, yet empathetic work environment that was backed up by true thought leadership seen in local, regional and global accounts. Adam embodied all that can be wonderful in our industry, his regard for his craft, his passion for his clients, his dedication to his team, the bonds he formed with colleagues and his absolute love of celebration.
People easily moved from colleague to friend with Adam, forming long lasting bonds. As he moved up through his agency career, his circle of friends grew with every agency he worked at.
Once you had been touched by Adam, you didn’t want him to leave your life. He was so rich in character, he could easily find common ground with anybody.
Socially, Adam was, without trying, always at the centre of the party and anyone and everyone would gravitate to his warmth and listen to the stories he would tell with such humour and charm.
His gentle smile and outrageously contagious laughter were magnetic. As people surrounded Adam they discovered
one another and went on to form their own long lasting friendships. To borrow a quote from Marea Flitcroft, "Adam was the glue for connecting so many people together."The absence of his presence will be felt by all his friends. He had the ability to make anyone he knew feel special, accepted and valued. He was one of the industry’s real characters, genuine, joyous and as authentic as someone could be.
For these reasons, it’s not surprising he had so many loving friends around him. Adam was a true gemstone that will be so sorely missed by so many.
Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, his life long partner, Chris, his Mother, Julie, and his brothers, Kevin and Dean.
Never forgotten and will always be in our hearts.
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