Origins & Early Life

David Mackenzie Ogilvy (; 23 June 1911 – 21 July 1999) was a British advertising tycoon and founder of Ogilvy & Mather. Trained at the Gallup research organisation, he created highly successful advertising campaigns for brands such as Rolls-Royce, Dove soap, and Hathaway shirts, which he attributed to meticulous research into consumer habits. His advertising career has led him to be known as the "Father of Advertising." David Mackenzie Ogilvy was born on 23 June 1911 at West Horsley, Surrey, in England. His mother was Dorothy Blew Fairfield, daughter of Arthur Rowan Fairfield, a civil servant from Ireland.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His father, Francis John Longley Ogilvy, was a stockbroker. He was the first cousin once removed of the writer Rebecca West and of Douglas Holden Blew Jones, who was the brother-in-law of Freda Dudley Ward and the father-in-law of Antony Lambton, 6th Earl of Durham. Ogilvy attended St Cyprian's School, Eastbourne, on reduced fees because of his father's straitened circumstances and won a scholarship at age thirteen to Fettes College, in Edinburgh. In 1929, he again won a scholarship, this time in history, to Christ Church, Oxford. He left Oxford after...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ahmed Urabi — Contemporary (Died in 1911) (1911): Pioneering Egyptian military and political leader who spearheaded the 'Urabi Revolt.
• Ashok Kumar — Contemporary (Born in 1911) (1911): Pioneering superstar and master character actor of Hindi cinema.
• Babe Didrikson Zaharias — Contemporary (Born in 1911) (1911): Versatile American athlete, celebrated for dominance in golf, basketball, and track.
• Akio Morita — Contemporary (Died in 1999) (1999): Visionary Japanese entrepreneur and co-founder of Sony.
• Ali Sayad Shirazi — Contemporary (Died in 1999) (1999): Key Iranian military commander during the Iran-Iraq War, assassinated in 1999.
• Anthony Newley — Contemporary (Died in 1999) (1999): Versatile English performer, celebrated for his songwriting and stage presence.
• Aaron Spelling — Shared historical date (06-23 · Died) (2006): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Alan Turing — Shared historical date (06-23 · Born) (1912): Father of theoretical computer science, known for the Turing machine and codebreaking.
• Alan Shepard — Shared historical date (07-21 · Died) (1998): Pioneering American astronaut, second in space and first American on the Moon.
• Albert Luthuli — Shared historical date (07-21 · Died) (1967): Pioneering anti-apartheid activist and leader of the ANC in South Africa.
• 1911 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1911
• June 23 (06-23) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 23
• 1999 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1999
• July 21 (07-21) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 21