Santa Monica-based agency RPA has confirmed that co-founder Gerry Rubin has died at the age of 83.  

The agency posted a notice on its website that reads in part, “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our Co-Founder, Gerry Rubin. Gerry was a legendary and vital leader in the advertising community, and a beloved member of his RPA family. Gerry will not only be remembered for the great work that RPA produced, but for the personal impact he had on his Associates. Gerry was a caring and charismatic figure who never forgot a birthday or an anniversary and was committed to creating a work culture that allowed people to do what they did best.” 

Rubin was a native of Evanston, IL and a graduate of Northwestern University (1962).  

He began his advertising career at Leo Burnett before spending 18 years at Needham Harper where he served as account director on the shop’s Honda account.  

When Needham was acquired by Omnicom in 1986, he founded Rubin Postaer and Associates with partner and creative director Larry Postaer. Honda became a charter client and remains a client today along with Acura, Farmers Insurance, TXU Energy, Southwest and others, according to the agency’s website. 

Rubin served as chairman of both the Southern California chapter of the 4A’s and the Western Region’s Board of Governors. He was a board member of the Country Music Association. In 1990, the Western States Advertising Agencies Association named Rubin and Postaer their Co-Leaders of the Year and, in 2003, the Los Angeles Advertising Agencies Association honored the partners with their first-ever Lifetime of Leadership Award.  

Rubin was inducted into the AAF Hall of Fame in 2013.