• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, July 6, 2021

Jeffrey Williamson, a writer and creative director at TBWA\Chiat\Day New York and the TBWA\Health Collective, died Tuesday June 29th after being struck by a truck while riding his bike near Central Park in New York where he lived for much of his life. 

The agency said Williamson was a New Yorker through and through, and a fixture of the city almost as much as his beloved Mets. 

Williamson was “one of the hardest working, most passionate and genuinely inquisitive people to have ever graced the halls of Madison Avenue,” according to Robin Shapiro, CEO, TBWA\WorldHealth. “And while we try to take some solace knowing Jeff died doing what he loved — riding his vintage 70s bike — in the place that he loved most, New York City — the loss is devastating, and our hearts are broken.” 

Williamson was with the agency for 14 years as a creative director and writer. He worked on a range of accounts spanning all categories, including BNY Mellon, Michelin and TEDMED. Several years ago he began working on health projects and became a part of the TBWA\Health Collective. He was the author of some of its standout work, most notably, the “IT’S TRU” campaign that supported the launch of the immunotherapy cancer drug Keytruda.

Earlier in his career he worked as a Creative Director at FCB, Wolf Group and Partners & Shevack and was a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Set to retire later in July at the age of 71, Williamson was an avid cyclist and passionate about health both inside and outside of work.

TBWA\Chiat\Day New York Creative Director Barbara Eibel said, “Jeff was my work partner for over seven years. He was a mentor, co-collaborator, partner, and a true friend. I will miss his sense of humor, kindness, and love of the Mets. Words cannot describe our loss.” 

Jessica Echterling, VP, Group Account Director at the TBWA\Health Collective called Williamson “The most genuine person I've ever met. He could get away with being brutally honest because he was so authentically himself. Jeff could charm you into loving him within a minute. He was incredibly thoughtful and wanted to deeply understand the ‘why’ behind the work. He was passionate about making an impact. And he loved this agency.” 

Williamson is survived by his wife, Chris Brimer, and two adult sons. 

Donations can be made to The Doe Fund, which for over 30 years has led the charge against homelessness and recidivism by providing economic opportunity, housing, career training, and supportive services to homeless and formerly incarcerated men.