IDM mourns the passing of original chairman George Smith
One of the original chairmen of the IDM, George Smith has died after a long struggle with motor neurone disease.
Smith, whose career spanned over 40 years, was founder and former chief executive of marketing agency Smith Bundy.
He was chairman of IDM from 1997-1999, and won both an honorary Life Fellowship with the Institute and, its Lifetime Achievement award from 2010.
Simon Hall, chairman of IDM, said: “George was one of the cleverest people I've ever met. A brilliant wordsmith and speaker. The IDM owes him so much. As Chairman, he was tireless in his efforts to raise the standards of training. Post Chairman, he was uncomplaining as he remained the first person we all turned to for help and advice. He had a big heart and was great company, being fluent in all matters of the day, from politics to footy. Only he could write the two page letter that could do him justice.”
A spokesperson for the IDM directors and staff said that they sent their warmest wishes and thoughts to Smith’s family, and revealed that a celebration of his life and work was planned in the summer.