David Deutsch

Who was David Deutsch?

David Deutsch was an American advertising executive and artist. He founded David Deutsch Associates, now known as Deutsch Inc., in 1969. He served as the agency's CEO from 1969 until 1989, when he handed control of the company to his son, Donny Deutsch.

Deutsch was a veteran within the advertising industry before founding his own agency. He worked for McCann Erickson for thirteen years. He then moved to Ogilvy & Mather, where he held the position of creative director for four years.

In 1969, Deutsch established his own agency, David Deutsch Associates, based in New York City. Oneida Limited, a tableware and cutlery designer, was his first flagship client. Under Deutsch, his boutique agency, which initially focused on creative-services, evolved into a full-service agency known for high quality print advertising. By 1983, Deutsch's client list included well known brands of the time, including Pontiac. Many of the agency's clients included so-called "prestige brands," including Letts of London and Crouch Fitzgerald. In a 1970 interview with Advertising Age, Deutsch spoke of the importance he placed on hard work: "After I show [a prospective client] my work, I can say, truthfully, that I'm talking to him as the man who will do the work...I tell him I’m dependent on him and that I'm more apt to do more for him because of it. And then I go out and work long hours to make sure I keep my promises." His son, Donny Deutsch, joined the company in 1983.