Dave Robinson

In Memoriam

Dave Robinson

TRIBUTE TO OUR FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE

Dave Robinson AMEASCA President Reflections and Remembrances from the Employees and Alumni of Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Clients, Business Associates and Friends of Dave

October 2012

A REFLECTION FROM

Jack Martin, H+K Strategies Global Chairman Some people are larger than life. Dave Robinson was one of them and he had a profound impact on people as well as our business. He was also a tremendous representative of the values that we try to embody as a firm. He was truly dedicated to his work for a range of both domestic and international clients, and was highly respected for his expertise and advisory work at the highest levels. Dave was also a true leader. He managed his teams in Australia, the Middle East, Africa and South and Central Asia with profound skill and compassion — and with the wisdom that comes from more than a decade at the helm of this industry. Above all, he was a regional president of H+K who was enormously proud of his team. I want to express my heartfelt condolences to all of our colleagues in Dave’s region. Know that you are all in our thoughts and that the rest of the H+K network and family stands ready to support and encourage you in carrying forward the torch for your region. As I have reflected on Dave’s contribution to our firm, our industry and indeed our lives, it became clear that his reach was extraordinary, indeed global. He reached out to colleagues and inspired them to reach higher and further. He reached out to clients and advised them to achieve even greater success. He reached out to explore life to the fullest and reached back to bring the rest of us along. To share with one another and also with Dave’s family the influence he had on so many of us within H+K, we invited everyone in our firm and Dave’s clients and business associates to share their reflections of Dave… as an unorthodox visionary, an insightful and inspiring leader, an amazing client counselor and an extraordinary friend, coach, trainer and mentor. The outpouring of responses and “Dave stories” has been remarkable. These heartfelt remembrances are captured in this “Tribute to Our Friend and Colleague, Dave Robinson.” I believe that Dave would want all of us to continue reaching to give our best, explore the world and spread enjoyment in every moment. Let’s do so in his memory. Jack

Unorthodox Visionary

Dave represented to me the true commitment of H+K to internationalization and the universality of communications. Deepest condolences. Antonio Tamayo, president and director general, H+K Strategies, Mexico Oh Dave, we shall miss you. Huge presence in every way. Always cutting through the superficial and distracting, looking for solutions and fast, fast on delivery. Probably like you and the beloved bikes from which you seemed to part company on a regular basis. Courage like a lion and just a great deal of fun. Rest easy, lovely friend. Flic Howard-Allen, managing director, H+K Strategies, London If ever there was a person who lived life to the full, it was Dave. He put a whole new meaning into the phrase “larger than life character.” His drive, passion and enthusiasm for the job (and for motorbikes, guitars and self-surgery) knew no bounds. It’s because he was so full of life that he will be missed so much and by so many. But I think it was his ability to approach every brief, every client and every situation with a terrific sense of humor that stood him out as a visionary. He is a massive loss to H+K, irreplaceable. Tim Luckett, managing director, H+K Strategies, London With Dave’s passing, H+K has lost a tremendously important colleague, leader, ambassador and friend. Dave has been a forceful figure in the firm for many years and he leaves us not only with deep and utter grief, but also with warm memories of a truly unique individual. Everyone who met Dave could immediately notice his remarkable character; his intellect, his immensely strong opinions, and not the least his humor and sarcasm. Not many left the playing field without a few scratches. Including myself. When I first met Dave, I have to admit I found him dominant and ever-so-slightly difficult to deal with. But he was also extremely entertaining and fascinating. As I got to know him, I understood more of his complexity and our bonds started to grow. After additional years of collaboration, the latest year in respective regional leadership roles, we developed a genuine friendship.

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The uniqueness of Dave was real. I have actually never met someone like him, someone in possession of such a striking combination of qualities and character: His musical talent mixed with deep knowledge of the Middle-East and Africa, and countries and cultures everywhere. His interest for hazardous speed and motor biking mixed with culinary skills. His strong business and financial acumen mixed with unprecedented skills in our own trade. But not the least his vast array of people skills. A true instinct for seeing people for who they really are. Ability and willingness to confront, but also to build bonds and alliances. Add his principled stand in integrity issues. And his unlimited dedication to this firm, and to his close colleagues. What emerges is, quite simply, a man of character — a unique man. Dave made his impact on this firm in many different ways and in many different roles. His contributions in numerous training sessions across the globe are one example. His direct impact in regions like Europe and AMEASCA is another. His mere presence in different leadership groups over the years changed the scope and progressed the thinking. He has perhaps more than any one individual contributed to what H+K has become over the last decade. From the dominant figure I for a moment thought he was, to the people man I realized him to be, Dave became to me a dear friend. Although a privileged position, a leadership role can also be a lonely role. There are not always many around to talk with about demanding matters, or to share experiences. For me — more than anything — Dave has been a valuable comrade, one for support, and for trust. For that I will be forever grateful. Dave will be sadly missed. My thoughts and condolences go to his family and close friends. Lars Erik Grønntun, president, H+K Strategies Europe I was only just beginning to get to know Dave but it was clear to me he knew how to really live life, in the way we all should. Damaris Anderson-Supple, chief operating officer, H+K Strategies, London

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A first among equals, and an outstanding business leader, and a much loved friend and colleague. Dave was a truly unique individual and we will all be the poorer for his deeply sad passing. Not only did he have a huge capacity intellectually for economics, politics, business and diverse cultures but he had the same appetite and capacity for the fun things in life — his music, his bike, his road trips and his friends. He will be truly missed. Alison Eyles-Owen, executive vice president, H+K Strategies, London When I first met Dave in the bar at H+K London for an interview, my first impression was of a charismatic person who was a true visionary and who loved to talk! Three & a half hours later and with me not having spoken much at all, I felt as though I just clicked with him and this stayed with me throughout. The charisma and visionary approach was Dave to the core but he combined this with deep personal integrity and an interest in others. This stood out within the Middle East industry with Dave setting the benchmark for how PR agency heads should help to grow and develop the industry and he was admired by his competitors and clients alike. A man of strong opinions and certainly never one to sit on the fence, but someone that combined this with a genuine love of wanting to hear what others thought, who listened and cared about others. Dave was passionate about everything in life — whether it be mentoring and developing talent or on the personal side in his love of travel & languages, food and culture, motorbikes, gadgets and guitars. It was perfectly normal to have a meeting with Dave where he would play his guitar while listening to you or want to show you amusing comedy clips on YouTube as a complete diversion based on a random comment that someone made which sparked him to share something he’d found funny. Dave constantly amazed us all with his huge commitment to everything he did — large in stature and with a very large personality. Dave’s colorful language, storytelling and sense of fun made staff, clients and other industry consultants all warm to him. Dave loved the fact that I put in his appraisal once that he was “refreshingly rude” — you knew where you stood with Dave, he was honest to the

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core and trusted people around him to behave in the same way. He loved calling various people “numpties” and talking about his “nervosity” on certain subjects, daring us to doubt that this was a made up word and telling us repeatedly that it was in the dictionary. He challenged us all and made us not settle for the conventional or mediocre approach — telling us not to go through 30 slides about ourselves at the beginning of a new business pitch but “put the sex up front” and wow the client with what we can do for them. Like many others in the company and in the Gulf, I have so much to be thankful to Dave for. I learnt more from Dave in 4 years than I had previously learnt in the industry over 20 years. He was my mentor, my leader, my rock but above all else my friend and he is sorely missed. Sconaid McGeachin, chief operating officer, H+K Strategies, Middle East + Turkey Dave Robinson came into our lives as this wonderful huge personality with a passion and love for life and work. He was inspirational in his vision for our business where he believed that every voice counted and each one had a role to play. He believed that each of us could bring value for driving great work with our clients. He believed in internationalizing our world and cross fertilization of ideas, people and jobs across the network. He believed in us and we believed in him and we hope to take forward the legacy of Dave Robinson in our everyday lives. He will be missed by all of us here. This is one of the pictures of joy and inspiration when he launched our new logo IPAN Hill+Knowlton Strategies in India; it will always be etched in our memories as a beautiful moment with Dave Robinson! From the H+K Strategies team in India

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Dave the Greek — It’s a nickname that stuck from the moment he entered the Dubai office with the presence of Mount Olympus and Zeus combined. Dave’s mere presence sounded Greek. The clack-clack-clack of amber prayer beads swinging rhythmically around an index finger. The sing-song of overheard conversations — ‘Kalimera Malaka, Ti Kanis?’ — with far-flung Athenians. And the strum of neither a zither nor a bouzoukia — but a guitar — which graced his room like a proud statue of Aphrodite, waiting to be picked up and plucked when expansive thinking was required. In action, Dave quickly established his credentials as a latter-day Alexander the Great — a master of strategy and a formidable leader, able to rally teams and win battles while courting the rich, the powerful and the wise. Like his Macedonian counterpart, Dave leaves an impressive and lasting legacy that stretches across not just countries, but continents. Anthony Newton, general manager, H+K Strategies, Doha Dave Robinson was a true visionary and fantastic leader. Due to his hard working ethic, professionalism and fantastic larger-than-life personality, he was someone I was incredibly proud to call a mentor. It is in his memory that I will work hard to be an “H+K rock star”, attributing my success to him as an inspiration. I will always remember his wit, kindness and great attention to detail for all team members in Dubai, despite having such a packed work and travel schedule. He will be missed greatly – his loss is a great loss for so many. Shadi Moazami, account manager, H+K Strategies, Dubai Like many of my colleagues in the region, my very first experience with Dave was in an interview. It was in 2006 when he was CEO for the Middle East and it was my final interview to join the H+K Dubai office. After the usual interview preamble and questions about “why did I want to join H+K”, Dave asked if I had any questions. I knew the agency had a good name in the region, but I was interested in knowing what Dave’s plans were. “H+K has a good reputation in the Middle East,” I said. “But what is your strategy for the company?”

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His eyes began to sparkle, a broad grin emerged on his face and after telling me he rarely got asked that question, he proceeded to share his vision and passion for the company over the course of the next 90 minutes. His monologue was peppered with anecdotes, swearing and filthy jokes accompanied by the odd guitar riff and multitasking on his Blackberry. It was impossible not to get drawn in and want to be a part of his story. I count myself fortunate that for seven years I worked alongside such a passionate, eloquent and ballsy professional who never ceased to surprise and never failed to deliver. Jonathan Macpherson, business development director, H+K Strategies, Dubai

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Insightful and Inspiring Leader

In my short time at H+K thus far, he always provided me with wise counsel even though it didn’t involve his client, or even his region. H+K has lost a truly great man, in every sense of the word. Daniel Dean, corporate communications, H+K Strategies, NY What a welcome I had to Hill+Knowlton Strategies by Dave last June in LA. I met him on my first official day on the job at our Global Leadership Conference. He came right up, warm and engaged, and went on about how much he loved his job, loved the firm and welcomed me onboard. I’ll never forget it. Can you just imagine how great that made me feel coming in as a leader here? Your H+K family will miss you. Claire A. Koeneman, executive vice president, H+K Strategies, Chicago Dave first visited H+K Australia in June 2011, having taken over as Regional CEO and President of the newly created AMEASCA region in May. With his larger than life personality, passion for H+K and talk about career opportunities in our network, he really left his mark. He was quickly given a nickname in true Australian style of Robbo. The night of his departure back to Dubai we had a team School Quiz event which included an affectionate competition to “Replicate a Robbo” out of Play Doh. Dave was delighted with the pictures sent through and told me he had these on his wall back in his office. Sue Cook, managing director, H+K Strategies, Australia I am very appreciative for the time I was able to spend with Dave. He was insightful and compassionate but always willing to make the tough decisions. His trips to Australia always injected a much needed boost of enthusiasm and renewed passion for the work that we do. He truly led by example and would not offer advice that he would not be willing to follow himself. A tragic loss for H+K and the PR world overall. Elke Rintel, talent manager, H+K Strategies, Australia

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He was known as Big Dave for so much more than his physical size. Big personality. Big intellect. Big vision. Big leadership. Big mentor. Big on results. Big on client service. And biggest of all, his heart. His friends and colleagues will think of that more as powerful legacy than acute irony. Andy Sutherden, global practice director sports marketing + sponsorship, H+K Strategies, London I met Dave on a symbolic day in the history of our company, the day we celebrated H+K’s 80th anniversary in Milan. I will never forget his first impression that was confirmed through the years: an inspiring leader focused, solid, positive and funny. An irreparable loss for all of us. I’ll keep him alive in my mind exactly as that day. Teresa Figueira, general manager, H+K Strategies, Portugal We had a celebration dinner for our acquisition by Hill+Knowlton Strategies. Dave was with us the whole night, not only as our new CEO but an intimate and longtime friend. He told us all about his passion of motorcycling, which took the whole table out of the atmosphere of a business dinner to a delighted evening with colleagues. As the Istanbul office, we regret the very early loss of a dear mentor who had so much passion and energy in life and business. From the H+K Strategies team in Istanbul It’s hard to sum-up what Dave mean to me and thank him for the six years that I’ve known him, every time he came-up with a new nickname for me (like Pip — the Pilipino male) our bond grew stronger. I first met Dave in 2007, and he challenged me to find the name of this sign ‘¶’; I was intimidated by his size, his tone of voice as well as the fact that he was my boss’s boss! When I sent him the name ten minutes later, I realized that this was Dave’s way of creating a bond with me. Since that day, I learnt to appreciate the man that he is, he was my big boss/my big friend and I would make sure to go the extra mile for him. The feeling I got from making Dave proud was extraordinary! One of Dave’s favorite quotes ironically was: ‘They who go feel not the pain of parting; it is they who stay behind that suffer’ (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

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I now understand why. With his endless talents and humor, Dave is a hard man to say goodbye to. I owe my career to him; if it wasn’t for his leadership, mentoring and constant motivation, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I’ll truly miss you big boss, and I know that you’re up there with that smirk you always have when you know you’re loved, looking down on us — watch over us big boss, I’ll still work hard to make you proud. May Sadek, account director, H+K Strategies, Egypt Over the past 10 years, I have had the pleasure of working with Dave as a leader. During that time we also developed a kindred friendship which will always be remembered with avid affection. Dave will be missed as a vivacious character that leaves an empty hole in our company and our lives. He was larger than life...the laugh, the ideas, the music, the poetry and his fearlessness. May the music live on. Amanda Groty, vice chairman & co-lead global technology practice, H+K Strategies, Germany I worked with Dave only briefly as part of First Chair training in January of 2011. On the first evening, he learned I’d lived in Brooklyn Heights for years before moving to London, and shared the story of his family’s role in essentially building up the neighborhood. Within seconds, he transported me from Athens to another time and place telling me how generations back, on a particularly good day, after a quick boat trip across the East River from Wall Street, grandpa announced that he had ‘decided to buy Pineapple Street.’ Since, each time I’ve walked through the Heights, still my favorite place in the world, I’ve thought of that story and of that great weekend in my time at H+K. Throughout the course, we benefited from Dave’s powerful storytelling, his strength, his confidence and his humor, which all seemed to define his leadership. Mine is an impression from a brief encounter, but it will last. Jessica Walsh, director, healthcare, H+K Strategies, London

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The first time I met Dave was when he was interviewing me for a position in the Gulf. He talked for three hours non-stop, swore like a trooper and shared some magnificently barbed gossip. Frankly, he had me at hello. Dave was never the easiest person to work with being a man of strong opinions and loud of voice but he was an inspiring leader and a tireless fighter. He had such loyalty to the people who worked for him and to the clients we represented. Dave and I travelled to India to visit our Mumbai and Gurgaon offices in the week before he died. He seemed calmer than usual, deeply focused on his fitness regime and, as ever, willing to laugh heartily at the oddities of life. Laughter, that dry sarcasm and enjoyment of the shock factor, and an intellect of gargantuan proportions - those are the things I will always associate with the man I was proud to call my boss and liked to call my friend. He wouldn’t believe that the woman he referred to frequently as an “auld cynic” would admit this but the loss of Dave is unthinkable, horrible and devastating. I miss him more than I thought possible. Sara Gourlay, client service director, H+K Strategies, Dubai

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I had the pleasure of meeting Dave in Beaver Creek at H+K College. In addition to enjoying his impromptu singing and appreciating how he could pull off an Indian headdress while doing so, I really got to know someone whose day-to-day life was quite literally worlds away from mine, someone who I learned quickly had many ideas and a passion for seeing H+K succeed, and for imparting his wisdom on the company’s future leaders. One night over dinner, we talked at length about the company and its new direction, but also the conversation quickly moved to life. It was clear that Dave was bigger than life. He worked hard, that was clear, but he also had a deep sense of adventure and a love for seeing and being exposed to new people and new things. He regaled me with stories of being in war zones and in the streets as liberations were occurring. Of riding his motorcycle through the desert, with a few injuries along the way, and of relaxing in his “adopted home” of Greece, a country he loved, a country with people who he enjoyed and with some of the best food anywhere. A few words will never be able to sufficiently articulate the rich life of Dave. He was remarkable, insightful and just plain fun. I am deeply appreciative of having met him and I regret that it happened only recently. The impression he left on me and all of the other H+K employees at The College is long lasting. I know that we will always hold him in our hearts, remember his sense of humor but also his unwavering professionalism and I will NEVER forget him. Lena Davie, vice president, H+K Strategies, Tampa A truly amazing man to have known…with so many life experiences that he would gladly reminisce on over a beer in the bar in London on one of his visits with anyone…and I mean anyone who would pull up a chair to join him. His ability to tell a story and captivate an audience of a room full of people was quite extraordinary. The Los Angeles 2012 Leadership Conference would have been far less of a learning experience for me had it not been for him and his directness and ability to tell it ‘as it is’. Never shy to give his opinion on anything and this made him all the more honest, believable and trustworthy. H+K has not only lost a great talent but a hugely respected individual and an extremely gifted H+K band member. He will be sorely missed by many, but so many of us will be glad that he was, albeit very briefly, part of our lives both professionally and personally. Jason Frayne, business development director, H+K Strategies, Europe Dave Robinson • Insightful and Inspiring Leader • 16

You always knew when Dave was in the room. And man, you always knew when Dave was in the building!! Whether it was the booming and mischievous laugh; the ready smile; or the way a guitar would mysteriously appear at his side on a Christmas Eve on the 1st floor in London (accompanied by renditions of highly obscure blues numbers), Dave was a force of nature with an infectious and irresistible sense of fun. I can’t honestly recall how or when I first met him — but I know he cared little for titles or rank. Dave would happily share his thoughts, opinions and friendship freely and widely (and, yes, mostly loudly)!! I remember years back as a junior once passing through Dubai on the way back from holiday. Somehow Dave found out and, by the time I had landed, there was an invitation to join him and some others for supper; ever the generous host to passing friends. I’ve been lucky enough to work with him too on a number of opportunities and have learnt a lot — particularly when I’ve seen him in front of clients. He had the power of persuasion — combining clear strategic insight with an emphatic understanding of client needs, which together made his counsel so compelling. He could multitask on electronic gadgets like no-one I know and his energy was boundless. His passing is a big loss for the industry — but I feel it most keenly as a friend. Dave was big in personality, big in enthusiasm, big in generosity… mostly, though, I guess just big in heart. Lalu Dasgupta, vice president, international affairs, H+K Strategies, London Dave was a part of my life for the past 8 years. However, I never appreciated just how an important a part until he left us on Monday. Maybe that is part of the enigma that was Dave Robinson, a friend and colleague. He could be holding an intellectual debate on the role of opposition parties in Egypt one day, and the same evening he would be belting out the Rolling Stones as part of what is now an infamous H+K rock band (talk to Andy Laurence). A voracious reader, an avid debater, and most importantly a humanist, Dave cast a large shadow wherever he went. Everyone will have their memories; I’m content with the Stones’ “Angie” at 1:00 am and too many beers at a bar in London. Viv Lines, vice chairman and global client service co-chair, H+K Strategies, Singapore

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We are all so sad to hear the news about Dave. He was a great guy and will be missed. Our deepest condolences to his family. From the H+K Strategies UK IT Team At the 2007 OPEC Summit, we found ourselves with a client demanding a much bigger and more current Summit newsletter than they had originally specified. What had been envisioned — and staffed — as more of a magazine, produced largely in advance of the Summit’s six days of activities, became a 24-page daily newspaper, half in English and half in Arabic, produced mostly on deadline. As an ex-newspaper guy, I had the night editor’s role, laying out pages, editing copy and writing headlines. And a number of H+K staffers in the Middle East suddenly became reporters to help fill the now-gaping news hole. One of those was Dave Robinson. Although he was the head of the entire Middle East region, he flew from Dubai to Riyadh and spent a couple of days as a reporter — cub, grunt, whatever term you choose — down in the trenches covering Summit sessions, conducting interviews, taking notes and writing stories. He also ordered enough of his troops into battle to do the same. It was a treadmill, but we filled those 24 pages for six days in a row. It wouldn’t have been possible without Dave. Steve Boyer, senior vice president, H+K Strategies, Seattle

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I never had the opportunity to meet Dave in person, but was eagerly looking forward to. I’m sure I would have regaled with his in-person story telling because it felt like I knew him very well through all of the phone calls and emails we exchanged — not to mention what others have said about him. It’s not every day that one can have a discussion about how to circumnavigate the challenges and nuances of individuals and companies from the Middle East to an American that hasn’t been there, but he thrived in that role with his passion and was willing to help anyone who asked. His legend preceded him and his generosity and good humor will be greatly missed. Marvin Singleton, managing director, Public Strategies, Plano Meeting Dave left me with an indelible impression of warmth and strength of character — both in Dave and the H+K agency network — which I hold to this day. Rest in Peace Dave. Annouchka Behrmann, director, H+K Strategies, London In 2006, the south of Lebanon was under attack from Israel. I come from Lebanon but not from the south but we had some colleagues in the Dubai office that had families living there. Clearly, we (Lebanese) were following the news, calling our families every hour, concerned and worried, trying so hard to focus on our jobs. On the day of the attack, we received an email from Dave. In his email, Dave tried to summarize what is happening in Lebanon, asked about our families and assured us that he will try to get us more ‘intel’. We really were not sure what he meant in his email but thought it was a nice gesture. Next morning, Dave walks in, says hi and puts on his serious face! All he said was to give him the names and locations of those of us who had families in the South. Luckily I wasn’t one of them but what Dave did afterwards is something I will carry

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with me forever and pass on to my kids and proudly tell the world about. Dave basically pulled in some favors and God knows what else and managed to get those families safely out of the South of Lebanon. He made it seem so simple and just a normal part of his job!! But we all know that it is absolutely not! Who does that? Only a true leader, a great man, a great Dave would. Dave never talked about it, never asked for credit or anything else. All he wanted was for his team to be happy. This is what I call leadership. Dalia Najjar, group account director, H+K Strategies, Doha When I first met Dave, it was during a cigarette break in the fire escape at the Dubai office with a bunch of colleagues. My first impression was, “who is this charming and witty giant standing among us?” I was then introduced by the head of HR at the time. My initial thoughts were, “Wow, this man is so cool.” A few weeks later, I had to present the work my team and I had been doing on one of our accounts in front of 50 colleagues and the senior management team. There was Big Dave, sitting on a chair, staring at me directly with a poker face. I was nervous as hell. My hands were shaking and my voice was cracking. It was my third or fourth week on the job and the Big Boss was watching. I made a fool of myself and it was obvious that public speaking was not really my thing. I was so ashamed to show my insecurities at the time, not only in front of my colleagues, but in front of the big boss who I thought was so cool. But Dave saw this fear and decided to give me all the support he could possibly give. When I would go on new business pitches, he would follow up with me to see how I did and would give me tips. He would always tell me, “It’s ok, don’t worry too much, just know your material and have fun. Be yourself and everyone will love you for it. You’re smart and you should know this.” I know Dave was just as supportive with everyone he worked with. He spent time being a mentor for his teams and still found the time to do his own work and follow his hobbies. What a superstar personality!

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If I had the golden opportunity to say my last words to Dave, I would tell him the following: “Dave, you are the rock that made us all stay with H+K for this long. You were an inspiration to all of us and we all looked up to you. How often does one work with a young, vibrant CEO who rides motorcycles and plays guitar? How often does one work for a CEO who sincerely builds friendships with anyone, irrespective of their position? How often does one work with a CEO who would fire an important client because they walked all over his team? At H+K Cairo, we always knew that you had our back. Yes, we are a small office in North Africa with relatively small retainer clients. Yet you made us feel like our office was the most important office in the region. And you proactively promoted our office to the rest of the network. You were always accessible and there when we needed you. Making you proud was not an option; it was our duty. For when you have such an amazing and caring boss, who treats you like a human being –not just a tool in the wider machine that helps bring in the money for the company –you want to run the extra mile for him. Dave, you are such a genuine person and your heart is too big. I personally think your heart was too big for this world. Perhaps that’s why you left us too early to join other legends and honorable men like yourself. You’ve made me laugh to the point of tears. You and your adventurous stories! To me, you were the CEO of the World, and I meant it every time I said it to you. How proud I was when I talked to clients and friends about you. How proud I was to see you present in public. We always said, “Watch out for Big Dave as he takes over the world. Well Dave, you took over the world in your brief life. You did almost everything you wanted to do – more than what most people can do in a long lifetime. You traveled the world, you indulged in your music, motorcycles and culinary delights. You’ve transformed H+K in the Middle East region and turned it into an agency that competition feared. You were always my hero and will always be. I thank the universe for giving me the opportunity to work for you and to be your friend. What a gigantic honor, my dear friend and boss. You will be missed tremendously and never forgotten.” Riham El Adl, deputy general manager, H+K Strategies, Cairo Dave Robinson • Insightful and Inspiring Leader • 21

I will never forget the first time I met Dave…. My then boss, Jim Donaldson, was moving to our Brussels office and Dave was going to take over our Middle East business. Dave visited us a couple of months before his actual start date to familiarize himself with the business and to get to know his new team. Of course, in true Dave style, it turned out that we got to know Dave pretty well instead! When Dave told me in our first meeting that he never had an assistant before, I knew I was in for a challenge. And I was right - Dave has never made it boring to work for him. It took a little while for us to find each other’s let’s say-styles, but as soon as we did, we became the ‘married couple’ Dave always talked about. We shared stories, we laughed, we fought, we rolled our eyes at each other, we challenged each other, we had swearing sessions, we made fun of each other, but no matter what, we always made up. I am proud for having witnessed Dave from so close for more than 8 years. His passion for his people and their families; Dave always made time for anyone. His humble approach - he has done many things for his people that no-one will ever know about. His relationships with his clients and how he always went out of his way to make things happen no matter how silly the request was. And then the friendships and relationships he built with colleagues from all around the world. Some of my favorite ‘Dave quotes’: ‘Frachon, make sure the venue has a bar, a stage, a good sound system and possibly back-up singers and a drummer so Andy and I can perform’. ‘Groovalicious Baby’ ‘In future, do not EVER book me on this particular airline or make me change planes at this airport ever again because:’ 1. Negative leg room. I mean ridiculously small space. 2. Negative arse room. It may require surgery to remove me from this seat now I am wedged into it...

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3. Very brutal cabin crew. To the point of being scary. Straight from central casting from a WWII movie... 4. Plane is smaller than my bedroom. I worry it might get blown away once we take off. 5. Massive airport - I mean bigger than Terminal 3 Dubai. I walked for 20 mins JUST to get to the ... 6. ...Massive queue for passport control (another 30 mins) 7. Lounge overcrowded (although it did have frankfurters so slightly balanced this out). 8. No announcements in lounge or indication of even boarding on the screens... Resulting in a fat sweaty bloke with spilled ketchup, mustard and sauerkraut all over his T-shirt running through the airport carrying the world’s heaviest laptop bag... but...apart from that...all is good... Without a doubt, Dave will be missed by everyone who knew him well. I cannot put down in words how much Dave meant to me – it’s just not the same without you, boss…. Justine Frachon-Dugas, executive assistant, H+K Strategies, Dubai Dave, a leader I liked and will always remember. I have known Dave as a very hardworking, passionate and successful leader of our network since he joined H+K Strategies Gulf & Middle East in January 2005. Over the 7 years he had been with us, he achieved many record years and tremendous performance for the network, especially overseeing the expansion of the network in the region and beyond. Dave was a very modest person who always recognized, appreciated and motivated his team to achieve their full potential. His warm personality was infectious and he very generously attributed the success of the company to his teammates.

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Whenever we spoke, his sport injuries always came up as he was an ardent biker. I also remember that he had a large collection of prayer beads, a hobby that he pursued since the beginning of his working life in Greece. I will always remember and admire him for taking the network from strength to strength but more importantly, for being an inspired man, who I will always remember. We will surely miss him. Khamis Al Muqla, chairman, H+K Strategies Middle East, Kingdom of Bahrain I remember the day I first met Dave Robinson. It was a lunch organized by my company Bates Pan Gulf (BPG) and H&K in early 2005 at some place in Wafi Pyramid, Dubai. Dave and I were the new guys: recent arrivals from different parts of the world and now friendly competitors under the joint WPP umbrella. A few weeks later Dave called saying you seem like a decent guy, why don’t we meet for a drink? Thus began our friendship. Back then we both relied on contacts that could put us on the fast track to understanding the region and its way of doing business. It did not take Dave long to figure things out. Realizing that Dubai was on an unprecedented roll he took on the best people, won the best clients - the ones I did not get - and forged relationships with those in power. His pace and energy level were phenomenal, and so was his success. As Dave rose through the ranks of H+K Strategies our drinks and dinners became less frequent but we never lost touch. Then last year I got another call from Dave, which paved the way for my joining H+K Strategies in April. For the past six months Dave sat just across me; well, when he was around, which was not often the case. Like many of his friends I followed his whereabouts on Blackberry Messenger, shown by an ever changing string of national flags, sometimes five in a row, marking his recent and next stopovers. Then: “Back in the Land of Sands.” I will miss Dave tremendously, as the friend he was before we became colleagues, and as one of the most gifted and inspiring PR professionals I have ever met. RIP Dave. Oliver Stelling, head of strategic counseling, H+K Strategies, Dubai

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Dave Robinson gave a different meaning to leadership; he didn’t need to explain figures and charts to tell us where we were heading. We knew that H+K Strategies will have a brighter future simply by looking at Dave’s enthusiasm, dedication and courage, and those were ‘contagious’! When I first joined the company in 2005, I used to wonder how he finds the time to walk across the Dubai office every week, chatting with every single person, mainly not about business related matters, but about ‘us’- colleagues and employees. He wanted to make sure that we were well taken care of, and that made all the difference! It has been a few days since Dave has left, but his great soul still fills up the space. Rest in Peace Dave. Tania Atallah, account director, H+K Strategies, Dubai

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Amazing Client Counselor

RIP to the wonderful Dave ‘big Dave’ Robinson. One of the most generous people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. No matter when or where, he was always available — to consult, offer support, vent to, brainstorm, conspire with and never failed to have those around him in gales of laughter. He was the most gracious host for those of us who visited the Dubai office. I was always in awe of his quick wit and ability to deliver 24/7. He’ll be so dearly missed but has left me with many lessons learned in kindness and generosity of spirit. Selena Cameron, vice president, H+K Strategies, Toronto Dave was an untiring champion for H+K Strategies — not only the members of his own team within his region, but for everyone across the firm. His dedication to training and mentorship at First Chair, Maestro and H+K College trainings never wavered, no matter how busy his schedule. And his senior consulting skills were matched only by his passion and personality. He was a hard-charging consultant, as fearless in delivering counsel as he was speeding across the desert on a motorcycle, or belting out a rock melody on a microphone. And he was a pioneer, blazing new trails for us in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey. But more than all of this — Dave was a friend. He was as wise and insightful on personal matters as he was in emerging market dynamics. And for as tough and imposing as he was, I shall remember Dave most as a wise and loving Gentle Giant of a man who gave his all in everything he did. Dave, you shall be missed. Sorely. Joshua Reynolds, executive vice president and global technology practice director, H+K Strategies, San Francisco My best memory of Dave was after one of his many motorcycle accidents when we were working together on a project for Princess Haya al Hussein, the daughter of the late King of Jordan and the spouse of Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai. She is very fond of Dave and always valued his advice, so she asked him to join us for a meeting at the Atlantis Hotel on Dubai’s iconic Palm Island. Even though Dave was at home recovering, with new pins in his arm and loaded up on painkillers, he agreed to come. He had a little trouble getting into the hotel, though, because the security agents were understandably wary of this big guy in gym shorts and an old

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t-shirt. Dave talked his way in and, as usual, was full of good ideas that he provided in his typical rapid-fire delivery. I can’t remember the context, but at one point in his presentation, with a tongue clearly loosened by painkillers, he used a vernacular expression that roughly translates as “make love to a goat.” There was a moment of surprised silence, during which Princess Haya’s eyes grew wide as a saucers. Then the room erupted in laughter. The memory captures all that I love about Dave — his passion for adventure, his passion for work, his commitment to clients, his intellect and his ability to deliver sound, unvarnished advice at a moment’s notice. He was a fun guy to be around. Ron Hutcheson, senior vice president, H+K Strategies, DC Sitting in Dave’s London office some years ago, has been one of the clearest and fondest memories in my tenure with this firm. Dave wasn’t there that day but his presence was felt. Unmistakably, I was preparing for some long forgotten meeting — Dave was out with the great and powerful Middle East leaders that were his usual fare. For a very short time, I felt connected to his world just being there. Dave was one of those icons that defined who we were and who made me proud to be part of what we are. He was both a gentleman and a gentle man and his early departure from our world will be sorely missed. Kevin R. Elliott, senior vice president, H+K Strategies, San Francisco Our hearts always rose in the London office when we knew Dave was on the job. Working with him just felt like an adventure. We knew there would be top secret assignments, close shaves and unexpected lunches. We knew that, however difficult things were, his counsel would be wise, inventive and studded with wickedly funny stories. And we knew that, however impossible the task ahead seemed, we’d somehow do a great job. I’m just one of many, many people whose working lives he always brightened, both as a colleague and later as a client. He’ll be sorely missed. Damaris O’Hanlan, H+K Strategies Alumna

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Dave told us at H+K Strategies East Africa in October last year that we should never fear getting things wrong in whatever we do — that it’s only by doing so that we’ll learn to correct ourselves in our PR career work. He reinforced the beauty of thinking up new ideas as clients’ trusted advisors adding that that’s what sets H+K apart — learning from new experiences and delivering for clients across the world. “As one the oldest PR companies in the world,” he quipped “H+K has blundered the most. But this has taught us deep, insightful lessons, shaping our bold approach to our work and the way we counsel our clients in whatever they do.” That stuck to many of our minds like melted candy and has proved invaluable in our work! Speaking of melted candy, Dave was perplexed at the rarity of air conditioners in sunny Nairobi, but loved the cool October evenings all the same. We’re still reeling in shock of the loss, and his passing has spawned deep memories of affection and admiration from this team. We miss you Dave! From the H+K Strategies East Africa office as a tribute from a memorable recent Nairobi Trip I was only lucky enough to spend time with Dave on a few occasions at global gatherings. Even so, I knew I had a friend halfway around the globe. He was energetic and fun-loving yet conveyed a gravity that comes from deep knowledge and seriousness of purpose. He was a good man, someone to be counted on and someone to be looked up to. I already miss him. Claudia Husemann, senior vice president, H+K Strategies, NY

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I first met Dave when he joined H+K back in 2005 and have many fond memories of him. From guitar playing at H+K events (and in his office) and delivering clear, concise and insightful consultancy to his clients to excited tales of his motorcycle adventures and sensitively handling the concerns of a junior member of his team… he gave his all to everything he did. To say that Dave lived life to the fullest is a huge understatement! Dave was never, ever at a loss for words or opinions, was always a massive presence, and commanded respect from clients and colleagues alike. For me personally Dave persuaded me to return to Saudi Arabia after Dubai — extending my stay in the Gulf by a couple of years. And I know that he also played a major part in securing my move back to H+K London, for which I’m very grateful. Everyone who I’ve spoken to in the last day can’t really believe he has gone. He affected so many people’s lives and leaves a huge gap. On Dave’s Facebook page one of his favorite quotations was: They who go feel not the pain of parting; it is they who stay behind that suffer. That’s so true. He will be sorely missed. Rob Foyle, senior associate director, H+K Strategies, London Dave was a man who filled a room with his presence, spirit and passion. His good counsel will be much missed by all his friends and colleagues in London and his sense of humor even more so. He will long be remembered but leaves behind inspiring and happy memories. Tony Stimpson, finance director, H+K Strategies, London I first met Dave when he was still running an agency in Greece and we immediately hit it off. For the first six months or so we only ever spoke on the phone, but he was larger than life even on the phone and I used to look forward to our conversations where he would fill me in on the latest political machinations. When we eventually met, I expected to meet somebody twice Dave’s age and was surprised not only by Dave’s height, but also how someone with so few years could advise clients with the skill and poise of someone with many more years’ experience. He was always impressive and many clients that we worked on together told me how they valued

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his advice. All this made it very easy to say yes when Dave first contacted me about joining Hill + Knowlton in the Middle East. I thought to myself this is a guy I can learn from, and I wasn’t disappointed. What followed were some of the formative years of my career and my life and Dave’s door was always open to provide guidance and support when I wasn’t sure, but also to provide a good laugh and a distraction when things got tough. It was Dave who I called when I found myself in trouble in Saudi Arabia and who reassured me that this would be a good story to tell my grandchildren one day. It was Dave who I called when tragically another colleague had passed away and he who helped me through my grief and to keep our team together. He was always there with the right advice and I will be forever grateful to him for that. Though it wasn’t just me that Dave made time for and gave guidance to — Dave gave so much to everyone he knew and worked with. His memory will live long in many hearts and his legacy will be the many careers and lives that he has shaped among his H+K family and beyond. Chris Pratt, associate director, energy and industrials, H+K Strategies, London Meeting Dave for me was something akin to Humphrey Bogart’s Charlie Allnut character in the African Queen and Katherine Hepburn’s Rose Sayer. I quickly learned that when navigating the world and especially parts of the world you’ve never been to, and learning how to win and counsel clients in a very different culture, it’s a real gift to have someone with Dave’s knowledge and experiences. I will be forever thankful for the wisdom he so generously shared when I made my first trip to the Gulf Region for H+K and to meet with clients there. It was clear to me then that Dave had an earned and insightful understanding of his region’s clients that was perhaps unparalleled in our industry. He demonstrated a remarkable ability to understand social and business cultures of his adopted region if he had grown up there. He will be missed in many ways, not the least of which was for his ability to counsel his clients and advise me and other colleagues in our client service. Lindsay Hutter, executive vice president and global change & internal communications practice director and senior vice president H+K IC, H+K Strategies, DC

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Extraordinary Friend, Coach, Trainer and Mentor

After working with him for a few years because of Petrobras, one of our global clients, I had the honor of meeting him at the H+K Strategies College a few months ago, in Colorado, and he just amazed me with his wisdom, professionalism and great humor. I can still recall with affection him singing “Chicago” at one of the dinners and how he blew us away with his talent and expertise. Throughout the college I found a mentor in him, as many of the other students, and his advice on various topics were invaluable and precious to all of us. He will definitely be missed by all his colleagues and friends who saw him, above all, as a great and unforgettable person. Sabrina Orlov, account manager, H+K Strategies, São Paulo Dave Robinson was most importantly a generous colleague. He was generous with his time, his energy, his intellect, his compassion and yes his point of view. You always came away from having a conversation with Dave with something of value personally or professionally. He set high standards, the highest for himself. He was fully committed to building the business by building the people in the business. (This included their musical talent.) The first time I met Dave he was leading a training session and it is poignant that on Sunday he had spent the day as faculty on a WPP training program. I am grateful for having known and worked with Dave and would like to express my sincere condolences to his family and his many friends. Ruth Clark, global talent director, H+K Strategies,Toronto Dave no doubt was a mentor to many current and past H+K employees scattered around the globe, including myself. He was also a powerful trainer and prided himself on being the “scary” client in role-plays in the WPP Maestro course in Sydney this year. The people attending, including our own H+K Sydney team, derived great value from his coaching on the course. Sue Cook, managing director, H+K Strategies, Australia

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I met Dave shortly after I lost my father: he was my coach at First Chair, in Athens. I was very impressed by his personality, his experience and most of all his ability to share with others and help them grow. That’s the reason why today I am really sad to learn the news about Dave and want to express my most sincere condolences to his family and those who closely knew him. Vinciane Patelou, account manager, H+K Strategies, Brussels In Helsinki, we mourn over the loss of a great colleague. Some of us have had the privilege to work with him, and many have had the great experience of being trained by him. For us, he epitomized the values of Hill+Knowlton Strategies: Dave, for one, was accountable, bold, collaborative and diverse. Dave was courageous, and he appreciated this in others. He kept his promises and delivered. He feared no one; yet he was easy to talk to, and always glad to lend his ear to a good point of view. Dave had a great sense of humor and he never suffered from the not-invented-here syndrome. And the cosmopolitan that he was, he understood people from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds. As one of our colleagues put it: “With Dave goes a world of PR excellence. And a great guy.” Finns are known for their no-nonsense way of personal communication. With some people, it can sometimes become an issue, but with Dave, never. Dave had grit, and he hated fluff. And we loved him for that. Hats off to Dave Robinson. Tarja Jussila, managing director and EMEA head of financial communications and IR, H+K Strategies, Finland

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A friend before I joined I never expected to be one day working with Dave. It was incredible to see that Dave as a friend was the same as my boss – genuine, loud, bellowing, authoritative and a whirlwind of hilarity and inspiration. Dave was my sure fire silver bullet to bring in with any of my senior government clients. Whenever I was at wits end, I’d call Dave and all I would hear is, “No problem I’ll be there, just tell Justine,” in his bellowing voice. And sure enough — Dave always had command of a room. Even when it was the most senior government official who he would stand side by side, critiquing in media training but earning their utmost respect to the point where I would receive calls saying, “Make sure the big man is there.” But he adjusted his style — I remember sitting in awe of him as he managed to make a conservative UAE Emarati client swoon when she thought Dave was proposing to her, and ever since I keep receiving requests in pseudo jest that Dave would propose to her each time they met. It’s stories like these that put a smile on my face — Dave had a way of being so truly and genuinely himself with whoever he met and made sure that his experience and expertise were sincere, authoritative and respected. All I know is that as a friend who I knew before I joined H+K and as a respected boss — I feel like my protective blanket is gone. While I didn’t call him all the time to save the day he was always there in the background, protecting us here in Dubai, and I know he’ll be protecting his little H+K team in the Middle East from wherever he is. We miss you Big D! Joanne Kubba, director of corporate communications, H+K Strategies, United Arab Emirates

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I feel blessed to have been one of the people who could say I’ve known Dave Robinson personally. I’ve always found him to be kind of a real-life superhero — a brilliant businessman, guitarist and social firecracker all in one! Although I didn’t get to chat with him as often as I’d liked due to his busy schedule, I’ve still learned a lot from the meetings I’ve attended with him. He always knew the answer, and was clearly held dear by so many people. I wish his family strength and peace in this difficult time. Lama Zalat, account manager, H+K Strategies, Abu Dhabi There was something about Dave that instantly made you like him and think of him as a friend. Maybe it was his exuberance for life or his constant sense of humor or his outgoing personality. I feel sure it was these characteristics and more. He was “bigger than life” and he demonstrated to all he met how to live life abundantly. He cannot be replaced and so he will be sorely missed. I count myself lucky to have known him and he will continue to have an impact on my life: in a crisis I’ll try to bring levity in addition to well thought out solutions and in every contact with a less experienced fellow worker, I will seek to be a mentor. Cassandra Carr, global vice chair talent, H+K Strategies, Austin Dave was one of the great H+Kers. His contribution over the years was simply immense. I always found him to be passionate, loyal and supportive. He will be dearly missed in the region and across H+K generally. I think we will only really understand that he is gone when the next big H+K party takes place, and he is not there in his rightful place playing guitar... RIP Dave. Scott McKenzie, head of change & internal communications, EMEA, H+K Strategies, London

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Dave, I will truly miss your presence, your energy and your ever present sense of humor. Few people are as passionate about everything they do as you were and that is something I will, gladly, never forget. Bless you. Peter Lawlor, dean of the hub, H+K Strategies Skills Academy, London It really is impossible to believe that Dave is no longer with us. From re-tuning his guitar across our office, oblivious to his surroundings (cheers Dave!), to various European gigs and Girth (I particularly remember Berlin 2005 (what an initiation to H+K) and a couple of celebrations at Soho House in London, where a Mustang Sally rendition featured heavily), to his giant stature, presence and personality, we always knew when Dave was around. Amongst his many qualities were his ability to connect, whatever level, and his massive desire to help, be it professional or personal. Dave was always interested in my travels and helped me out hugely in Marrakesh and Cairo, and his professional help was invaluable numerous times over the years. He really was one in a million. You don’t always know what you’ve got until it’s gone. RIP Dave. Nicky Howdill, executive assistant to Andrew Laurence, H+K Strategies, London

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It’s a very sad day for me personally! I met Dave during a training week session on last April and I immediately knew he was a gifted human being: he knew exactly how each one of us were using our skills and boundaries and he knew the exact words to make us go beyond. Dave will be remembered as a very special man, a brilliant professional and an inspirational mentor for all of us in the H+K family. He taught me that in our professional path trust is crucial, especially trust in ourselves and in our teams. Dave Robinson will be in my prayers. Margarida Caparica, account manager, H+K Strategies, Portugal Without Dave, I would never have found myself in a banged-up old taxi, being driven through the streets of Yemen without any security guards. On voicing my concern for our safety, he replied “I’m not worried — you’re younger, prettier and lighter than I am so you’d definitely get kidnapped first!” There are so many experiences that have opened my eyes and enriched my career since joining Dave’s team in the Middle East, five years ago. He encouraged me to embrace cultural differences, seek to understand new perspectives, trust in myself and never compromise on my instincts (except when in Yemen). He was an inspirational businessman, leader and colleague and shall be forever remembered as such. Katy Branson, head of technology, H+K Strategies, United Arab Emirates Dave was a larger than life character in so many respects — whether he was jamming on stage or cramming on a call, he was a force of nature that swept you up along with him. His infectious brand of character will be much missed as will his leadership through example. In every way, he showed us that leadership didn’t mean aloofness as no matter where in the world he was, if you asked for his opinion or advice, you could rely on him to come straight back.

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While he never held back in coming forward with a point of view, he was equally able to inspire confidence that he had your back and would not shout you down or shout over you. The world will be a more somber and less colorful place without him. Louise Watson, global FMCG leader, marketing communications, H+K Strategies, United Kingdom Dave was such a wonderful mix of energy, opinions, enthusiasm, stubbornness and friendliness. He was quick to laugh and quick to share his insights — and quick to share the latest musical gem he was learning or listening too. But there was almost always something of interest in what he was sharing or thinking about…too rare a trait nowadays. I am grateful to Dave for his advice, prodding, haranguing, support and friendship as I worked out what I needed to be doing in a new role at H+K. In person, on calls, over emails and on Facebook and Twitter he was a very welcome presence in my life. And a presence I will greatly miss. It doesn’t replace him being here, but I hope his family will take some small comfort from the outsize part Dave played in the life of this firm and his colleagues here. Those who knew him will miss him greatly. Rest in peace Dave Duncan Burns, executive vice president and global energy practice director, H+K Strategies, DC Dave and I play in a band. With Andy, who’s the thin one. When we talked about the name for this all H+K Band, we immediately agreed to Girth. No questions asked. Dave, however, started sending emails with chords, lyrics, YouTube clips and set lists, with a distinct addition to the name of the group. Dave referred to us as ‘GIRTH, the Super group’. More, bigger, better and larger…Dave pushed himself and us to improve and just aim higher, which resulted in two 40-minute set lists. One colleague after the other left to go to bed after the hardships of their First Chair in Amsterdam for which he composed an anthem. We played it.

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You can tell a lot about a man, by looking at the instrument he plays in the band. Dave plays lead guitar. He provides the rhythm, the pace and the atmosphere of the performance. But Dave loves his solos; to take the stage and demonstrate both capability, as well as possibility. He would take turns as the lead singer too. Allowing for others to shine. Allowing for him to lead by example. And Dave loves to practice. Invent, investigate, invest in what should not only be flawless, but mostly original. Showing where the music really comes from, having a deep understanding of its origins. What the music is all about. We won the daily Louie, Louie Cover Band Award with our performance once. It was a proud moment. Dave plays the blues. I’ll be playing the blues for Dave. See you Tiny Dave. Little Jerry Jeroen van Seeters, strategy director, H+K Strategies, Amsterdam

I was blessed to meet Dave at H+K College in Beaver Creek and cannot overstate what an influence he had on the other students and me. His presence was truly larger than life, and he contributed so much knowledge and experience to us all as professionals and as people. Dave will be sorely missed as an esteemed colleague and as a dear friend and mentor. My deepest condolences go out to his family and all who knew him. Nick Driver, vice president, H+K Strategies, Santa Monica

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In June 2011, when the Hill+Knowlton Strategies’ leadership team met in Los Angeles, the evening entertainment on the Fox Studios production lot featured a gig by an impromptu home boys rock band led by an impressive guitarist and singer, Dave Robinson. He filled the room instantly with his massive appearance and subtle swing, and with his strong voice. It didn’t take long before people started dancing to his tunes. He knew how to convince an audience. Dave was one of the people who inspired me to join H+K two years ago, when he called me from an airport in between two flights somewhere in the Gulf to explain how H+K was undergoing reform to focus even more on its clients and on a truly global approach, with efforts underway to make the network really deliver the highest quality cross-border advice. Whenever I met with Dave thereafter, he would typically rant about all the excuses we invent ourselves for not delivering, whereas he wanted “to get the bloody job done.” Passion was his driver. He kept looking forward and coming up with inventive solutions to attract talented people and to grow business. He rightly had no patience with underperformance. But on top of his business skills, he took great care to foster human relations and to pay genuine attention to colleagues. One only had to cross his path once never to forget him. Friends shouldn’t die before they grow old. Rock on in the celestial band, mate. We will forever sing the tunes you brought us. Thomas Tindemans, chief executive officer, H+K Strategies, Brussels At 6’8” and a robust personality there was lot to love about Dave — the last several months I found a totally new side of the man and it resulted in many hours of conversation — he was a student of literature — all types, he could quote from Dante as easily as from Bob Dylan and in all cases find application in his life — what a rare gift he was indeed. Tom Hoog, vice chairman, H+K Strategies, Colorado

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I want so very much to turn back the clock and have more time with Dave. He was a presence like no other. People talk of his brilliance and his presence, but there was an eccentric, passionate human scale behind all the greatness. When I recall his love of all music it’s his crazy solo holidays tracking down heroes and session musicians along route 66 that jump to mind. Dave loved many beautiful things and places, and anything made by Apple, but mostly he loved people. He could never get enough of talented, young, inquisitive, difficult people. He adored finding the overly-intelligent, troubled soul and giving them the opportunities he’d been given. He was passionate about mentoring, he loved raw intelligence and detested arrogance of any kind, but especially the arrogance of experience and big corporations and nations. He especially was drawn to people from new places, who shared their culture, food, music and customs with him and he was never happier than when someone gave him a new country to discover. He loved this company because of the people that passed through it. He was an avid collector of contacts, spreading his charm, lending his ear and helping hand wherever he was needed and never refusing any favour in return. We had great times and sad times — he made the really big decisions amazingly quickly, at once stage paying a Control Risks team with his credit card so they could rescue employees stranded in a war zone. My years working with Dave were punctuated by his very long stories of his naughty childhood setting fire to his mum’s new sofa, of rebellious teenage years and utterly silly behaviour with colleagues throughout his career. Most of it involving stomach bugs or clients in Saudi Arabia, much of it unmentionable here, all of it hillarious. I had five minutes on the phone last week. He called asking if I had time for an old mate. The monologue that followed meant I got in about two words as he told me of yet another person he’s found a job for and explained he’d introduced me as “his man in Brussels.” He then gave me a set of instructions and he was gone. A call like thousands before. I thought they’d keep coming forever. He is irreplaceable. Melanie Faithful Kent, chief operating officer, H+K Strategies, Brussels

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“They who go feel not the pain; It is they who stay behind that suffer” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This quote tops the list of Dave’s favorite quotes. The last few days have been very painful. There are so many memories, and each triggered off a flood of tears. When Dave arrived in Dubai in 2005, it was a major change for all of us as his management style was truly unique, in every aspect. At the outset, he named the senior management team “Majlis” to be in sync with the Arabic culture. The monthly Majlis meetings, which brought together the management team from around the region, soon became something that we all looked forward to rather than dread. I was often teased for including music in my presentations to make the financial numbers more palatable. Dave decided death metal should be my favorite genre. Dave had a voracious appetite for … numbers, ambitious targets and stretching the goal posts. He made sure we would more than just meet them. He was very astute in grasping figures. Despite strumming the guitar during most “financial” meetings, his attention to numbers never wavered and he had the uncanny ability to recall them instantly when required. The period from 2006 to 2010 can be rightly called the Golden era when new highs were created. Dave’s appetite for Indian food was impressive. Ranging from Bombay street food in the form of “vadapav” to “daal makhani with naan”, and the spicy Kerala delicacies at the Coconut Grove restaurant, he relished them all. He was also open to experimenting with Ayurvedic concoctions during his ‘bad throat days.” Thanks to Dave, my knowledge of colorful words expanded by leaps and (no) bounds! One of his goals, repeated whenever he got the chance and in every Majlis meeting was to make me “swear.” My non-swearing became an obsession and I am constantly name checked when everyone else does with a “sorry Jaya,” after every expletive. Dave proclaimed that the day I swore his work in the region would be done, and he would pack and leave. I never felt the need to, until now…. GODDAMMIT! Jaya Mahalingam, regional director of finance & member of the board, H+K Strategies, Dubai

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One of the first things I knew about Dave was his formidable curry habit. My first meeting with him in Dubai was dinner at his favorite curry house and he was clearly a regular patron. It was a social event; we knew of each other but never met. The meal veered toward “how hot can you go?” Needless to say he won, but I must have passed muster, since I later ended up working for him in not so hot Kuwait. Ciaran Baker, senior consultant, H+K Strategies, Kuwait Dave was for me and countless others, quite simply, our inspiration. Over the past sad week I’ve lost track of the times that I have said to myself: “What would Dave do or say?” I guess I have been asking myself the same question over the past eight years since Dave first blew into Dubai like a full force gale, but it’s only when he’s not here when one can’t simply drop him a BBM or an email - that one really appreciates the void that has been created. I have so many memories of Dave, all of them positive and all of them involving a combination of his most defining and shining characteristics: insight, intellect, humor, kindness and loquaciousness. Oh boy, could Dave talk – he was always engaging and usually funny, too. When Dave spoke, everyone listened. They listened because they knew they would learn something, and be entertained. That is why Dave was a true mentor to many and why everyone reveled in his company, whether for business or pleasure. Dave was bold and daring. He challenged everyone to be the best they could and can be, and to do it by building relationships. He put personal relations back into public relations and that was the bedrock on which he built his fine team across the Middle East and won the hearts, minds and respect of all who knew him around the world. No other single person has had such a profound effect on me. I miss him dreadfully. Rock on, mate. Andrew Bone, regional director - Middle East & Africa, H+K Strategies, Dubai

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Remembrances from Around the World

A Personal Note from the Royal Highness Princess Haya Al Hussein The first letter in this Remembrances section is from Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Al Hussein, the spouse of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of Dubai. Princess Haya is the daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan and the late Queen Alia, and, like Dave, she is a person of many interests. She competed in equestrian events at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney; founded and chairs Tkiyet Um Ali, a food aid organization in Jordan; and oversees the Dubai Healthcare City and Dubai’s International Humanitarian City. She also serves as President of the International Equestrian Federation and as a UN Messenger of Peace, with a focus on eradicating hunger and extreme poverty. Princess Haya worked with Dave on various projects and always valued his counsel and his friendship.

Dave was rock steady – you could always rely on him, whatever the need, project or request. When he said something would be done, it was done. That kind of dependability and accountability is so important in a global network like ours. He set a high bar for inter-office collaboration and led by example, fostering relationships in every corner of our company. I always enjoyed working with him – I will miss him. I know how much Dave loved music… I only wish I could have had the chance to jam with him at an H+K Strategies event. Next time I hear a classic guitar solo by Clapton or Beck or Page, I will think of Dave and smile. Chad Tragakis, senior vice president, H+K Strategies, DC The tragic news of Dave Robinson’s passing reached me this morning and has affected me in a very deep way, as I know it has all of you (the firm) who cared so much about him. I will forever remember Dave’s generosity as a wonderful host to an international group of colleagues who met in Dubai in January 2010 to convene on the topic of global client service. It was a trip of a lifetime for me to experience Dubai and to learn so much in those few days from Dave and his colleagues. Being there to help the team celebrate its 25th anniversary in the Middle East was the most compelling aspect of the trip. So much of my experience at the firm revolved around lessons of culture and global business. I will be forever grateful for that experience and for the people like Dave who made the journey so meaningful. My thoughts are with all of you today. Jennifer A. Temple, H+K Strategies Alumna, senior vice president & head of consumer lending communications, Wells Fargo, San Francisco Dave Robinson, as everyone who met him knows, was larger than life - not only from a physical standpoint, but also in terms of his personality. He lived life to the fullest in all that he did, whether it was riding his motorcycle or jamming on his

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guitar to the sounds of Led Zeppelin. His boisterous nature hid the fact that he was a thought-provoking intellectual. One of my last encounters with Dave included a hotly contested debate where after a few hours of discourse we realized we were actually in agreement on almost all of the points. I will miss Dave’s quick wit and his strategic counsel, but most of all I will miss his friendship. Rest in peace my friend. Mark Thorne, vice chairman and global chief operating officer, H+K Strategies, NY I had the enormous pleasure of reporting directly to Dave when I was setting up H+K’s joint venture in East Africa in 2008/09. He has been, by a country mile, the best boss I’ve ever reported to and he will forever be a massive inspiration to me. He was a superb mentor, super bright, tough, incredibly/remarkably/surprisingly culturally astute, unfailingly loyal, an endless source of great advice on virtually any topic, and more than anything else, just great, great fun to be around. He quickly became a much loved leader and inspiration to all my Kenyan colleagues, too. His quarterly visits to Nairobi were the highlight of my time there – intense on every level – not least Dave beating Nairobi’s best Indian restaurant in a chili eating contest. “My friend, your turbo chili naan bread is girls’ naan bread. Please try harder.” He had such a massive thirst for life - which makes his passing all the more sad. He’ll be looking down on us kicking himself in frustration that he’s not able to continue enjoying life. George Godsal, H+K Strategies Alumnus, MSL, London I had the great pleasure of being Dave’s mentor, though by the end of every conversation it was never clear to me who was the mentor and who was the mentee. Dave was always fully engaged on every challenge he faced and provided inspirational leadership to those who worked with him. Both as a friend and a colleague, I will miss Dave, and can say that this company won’t be the same without him. Mike Coates, president and chief executive officer, H+K Strategies, Canada

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I can count on the fingers of one hand the friends who I can remember exactly where and when I met them, and bizarrely with Dave even what he was wearing (a blue blazer and grey slacks). I met him outside Andy Laurence’s office in our European headquarters when he was being introduced to H+K London as I think the new number two in H+K Middle East. He made an immediate impact. From that day onwards my relationship with Dave began. First, as a colleague and then more importantly, as a friend. In many ways it was a surprising closeness, we are very different in politics, approach and life stages but that mattered not a jot. He was great colleague but first a foremost he was a true and close friend. We worked together on a wide range of fascinating clients who Dave could always be relied upon to deliver outstanding counsel, deep client care and a passion for results. He did it in a way that was never about him but always about the client and the team. For one so prepossessing he was really self-effacing. An evening, a day and week with him were always great fun - and every time I saw him I learned something. His breadth of knowledge, wit, intelligence and concern for others was overwhelming. He was kind, well-read, multilingual, an accomplished speaker and a musician. I once told him I thought he was a ‘Renaissance Man,’ but he said his lack of love for sport excluded him this moniker. It was typical that Dave knew exactly what a ‘Renaissance Man’ was and why he did not measure up. His inner critic never matched the reality of what he was, what he contributed and what he meant to so many. The reality is that he was truly loved and his legacy is the relationships he built and the people he developed. He fundamentally changed a region and, I think, a company. Since leaving I have seen Dave less but we kept in touch and had dinner annually. When I last had dinner with him in Dubai in November, I was delighted that he was relaxed, calm and content - and was enjoying where he was and what he was doing. That made me happy. It is hard to put into words his impact on me. It’s even harder to say goodbye. Andy Pharoah, H+K Strategies Alumnus, senior vice president, Corporate Affairs, Sustainability & Strategy, Wm. WRIGLEY Jr. Company, Chicago

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The H+K Strategies Dubai office received a hand-delivered card from Hamad Medical Corporation that expressed how saddened they were by the news. From Hamad Medical Corporation – Mohamad Mubarak Al Noimi and his team Dave...I cannot describe with words... maybe with song, if I ever get to the poetry

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one day in my life. We met about 8 years ago at the H&K EMEA meeting in Berlin, sitting by coincidence next to each other. It was an understanding from the very first glance, from the very first words we exchanged. We were talking, discussing, chatting and drinking. For the first time I met someone within the company who understood the coming tsunami of online business and social media, so it was decided the next morning that instead of going to Dubai, Dave would land in Sofia, where we spent three days together meeting my web staff, online editors, web designers. It was some eight years ago and totally unacceptable then for a PR company even to think about online media, departments, developers etc... but Dave and I thought about it. After that we became such good friends. We spoke with each other every month, sometimes for hours about our common business projects. I was not surprised a couple of months ago when, upon entering the H+K Strategies Dubai office, I heard a strong bass voice from somewhere far from his room, “Max... MAX... Maaaaaaaaax... Welcome!” It was just a melody, like a hymn, like a paragraph in a song. While at lunch on the top of the World’s Financial Centre, I let Dave use my iPhone to check and send a couple of important emails. It just so happened that same day Blackberry’s servers in the Middle East crashed. “It was a great favor,” he said “… I will not forget you.” Now, as it would happen, we will not forget you, dear Dave. Your projects are here, your students are here, your smile and bass voice will be always here and your inspiration will inspire us always on the way ahead. Just a couple of months ago my Bulgarian company was awarded Eastern European Consultancy of the Year by The Holmes Report. Some months ago, Dave received the exact same award for the Middle East. In Prague, when Paul Holmes called me to the stage to receive the award, Dave was the one who was waiting for me at the stairs on my way down and embraced me tightly. Then we went to see the other guys - Sally Costerton, Cesare Valli and Andy Laurence. Dave decided to stay in the back, like a father of PR and of our group. Rest in Peace, my dear friend, we will always remember you! Maxim Behar, chairman, H+K Strategies, Czech Republic

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My first meeting with Dave was when Andy Laurence and I were looking to hire him to run the Gulf region, which quickly proved to be too small a territory for such a large man. What struck me at the time, when Dave was still in his thirties, was that he knew no fear. No challenge was too great, no obstacle was too daunting. His motto was “put me in, coach” even when there was no game! And while he brought his legendary energy to everything he did, it was his generosity of spirit that I remember most. His kindness, loyalty and enormous compassion were always at the ready though it was a brave man who would point it out to Dave. His passing leaves a huge void in many lives and my consolation is more than my memories of the times we shared; it is the knowledge that Dave was a gifted teacher who touched so many lives. I know that I am one of many who are better for having shared a part of their lives with Dave.

Paul Taaffe, former Hill & Knowlton Chairman and CEO, head of communications, Groupon

I first met Dave at Waterloo Station several years ago. He was on his way, or coming back I think from his mum’s house in Kent. I met him at Waterloo a few times and he told me about his Middle Eastern region and that he would keep me in mind for a role. I never really thought it would happen. But in 2011, with support from Sconaid and Jaya, I ended up running the Abu Dhabi office. What I can say about Dave is that his personality, energy and tremendous passion for the Middle East drove the business. He immersed himself in the culture and the desert. He was truly connected with his region and his staff. And he was fun to work with. He was transparent and noisy and direct. Funny, irreverent and obviously very bright. His ‘rock stars’ will be devastated. The whole region will feel his loss. I am delighted to have known him and seen his impact at a local level. It was a privilege. What a lovely man. Veronique Briant, interim general manager, H+K Strategies, Abu Dhabi

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I am so desperately saddened and shocked to hear of Dave’s sudden and untimely passing this morning. He was always so full of life and laughter and so generous of himself; it is almost impossible to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer with us. He certainly knew how to live and packed an awful lot of humanity, fun and achievement into his life and the lives of those around him. My deepest condolences go out to you, the whole H + K Strategies Middle East family, and the wider H + K Strategies network. He will be a sad and irreplaceable loss to everyone who had the privilege to know and work with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you come to terms with this devastating news. With deepest sympathy, Fran McElwaine, H+K Strategies Alumna, Managing Director, MSL, Middle East North Africa I am saddened to hear of Dave’s loss. He was a terrific man and a dedicated leader in the community. Our prayers and condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues. Kevin W. Massengill, H+K Strategies Client I have been struggling to think of how you write a tribute about someone like Dave. I still remember meeting him in Cyprus eight years ago to try and convince him to move out to the Middle East. His intelligence was immediately apparent and his enthusiasm infectious. I knew then we would become friends and it was a privilege to have known him and to have worked with him. I think for me my tribute boils down to three words. The first word is BIG. Dave did everything in a large way. He was a big presence in any room and in people’s lives. He was generous with his friendship and his time. His appetite for both food – all types of food! - and knowledge of every topic was huge. No half measures. His career was always going to be big and was set to get bigger. He did everything with a big purpose and passion. I will always admire that.

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The second word is FUNNY. I laughed a lot with Dave, both on our own and with others. He communicated with humor and he knew how important it was to be able to laugh in the face of the stresses and strains of daily life and the mad world of PR. He was the first to crack a joke and to giggle at the absurdities of the things we did and the people we met. We need to laugh more and that should be a big part of his legacy. I know it will be for me. The third word is HEART. This is perhaps the most difficult one. We all know he had a great heart in all his dealings with people. In occasional quieter moments, Dave talked to me about wanting to settle down. He was someone with a big heart that was waiting to be loved. It is such a shame that his physical heart couldn’t give him that. RIP mate – and have a good laugh for me. More horn! Jim Donaldson, H+K Alumnus, executive vice president, corporate communications EMEA, Weber Shandwick When I think of Dave, I think of how much he loved life. He threw himself into life with intensity and complete commitment. You always knew when Dave arrived. “Sal!” he would yell from thirty feet away. And he would stride into my office, plonk all 6’ 6” of himself on the sofa and talk non-stop. Anyone else in the vicinity would be drawn in and we’d all be in hysterical laughter. He was the only person I have ever met who talked more than me – people would give us a wide berth with good reason. He loved the people in his life – wanting nothing more than for all of us to see the potential of new places, people, food, cultures the way he did. He dispensed advice aplenty, whether you wanted it or not. He rejected anything and anybody that got in the way of living life to its fullest, and we all gave up arguing with him in the face of his determination. He seemed to fear nothing. Inevitably physics regularly intervened – Dave plus tons of high speed bikes and desert rocks led to a string of horrendous injuries, usually documented in graphic detail on Facebook. He revelled in our disgust like a small boy setting off fireworks. We would joke that his local hospital in Dubai would open a memorial wing to him. As a result, he was a one man pharmacy – at one illness-ridden meeting we had in Cairo he was sorting out the entire team – infected stings, acute stomach upsets, you name it – he had prescription-grade cures on tap. He always made me laugh, always made me think and often made me worry.

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I’ll remember “Girth” – and Dave’s determination always to put on a show. Arguments – never one to give up on his principles, sometimes they would continue until late into the night. Kindness – getting up in the middle of the night with no sleep (as usual – too much living to get much sleep) to meet me off the plane in Johannesburg just so I felt comfortable. Frustration – why wouldn’t he slow down and take better care of himself? Andy and I eventually made him set fitness goals as part of his annual bonus. That didn’t work either. Exhaustion - keeping up with him particularly on a trip to Africa was very challenging – he had more energy than everyone else put together. Pride – seeing how he made his team feel, and seeing the tributes on Facebook. Dave made a remarkable contribution to our business and the lives of everyone that knew him. In his short life he had become an undisputed leader of our industry sometimes it seemed by sheer force of personality and will. Working with him was uncompromising - he swept everyone along with his unique blend of energy, curiosity and commercial drive. No matter how much he achieved there was always more and it always involved finding the best people he could from every corner of the globe and bringing them into his world. I just hope that he realized how much we all needed him when he was alive. If he could see the impact his death has made he would be astonished and very humbled. I hope somehow he knows. Sally Costerton, former Hill & Knowlton EMEA Chairman and CEO, senior advisor, ICANN, London Dave and Dubai are forever linked in my heart and mind. After years of conversing as long distance colleagues, we first met at the Emirates Tower to prepare for a client meeting. I recall Dave’s presence filling the massive lobby. We worked together often through the years and I particularly admired Dave’s talent with clients—a good listener as well as counselor—and his genuine commitment to the professional development of his team. Dave’s life was sadly short, but filled with passion for music, driving fast and building a great business. Kelli Parsons, H+K Strategies Alumna, senior vice president & chief communications officer, Fannie Mae, Washington

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The first time I met Dave I was supposed to have a quick coffee with him to discuss the opportunities Lambie-Nairn could have in the Middle East region. We ended up sitting in his office in Dubai for about four hours discussing music before going out for a long dinner at the Chinese restaurant in the Shangri-La. From then on, every time I was in Dubai, or he was in London, we would hook up for food, music and conversation. When I was stranded in Beijing during the Volcanic Ash Cloud, I managed to make it as far as Dubai. I called Dave and he decided to take me on his personal odyssey of weird and wonderful dining experiences in Dubai, which ranged from an amazing Turkish street side café with Formica tables and chairs to the Iranian Club with its outdoor tables set up as though for a wedding reception in New Hampshire. We also went to a Chinese restaurant that was up some back stairs of some old shack that only Dave could possibly have discovered. We spent many hours in these restaurants discussing the world. And while I was away from home for two weeks and missing my daughter’s birthday, he was a constant source of humanity, warmth, generosity and ultimately just damn good company. The last time I saw Dave was at lunch in the beginning of August in London where we planned a Tuscan food, wine and music road trip. I will make sure I do that trip in his honor and will savor every moment of it as if he were there with me. I will miss him. Christian Schroeder, chief executive, Lambie-Nairn, London I met Dave a couple years ago in Istanbul. We were introduced by a good mutual friend in New York. He described him as a PR professional and a great guy who also plays guitar. Since I also play guitar, my friend thought we would have plenty in common. We met at the hotel lobby after work and had a snack together. We talked for an hour about the industry, and professional topics. When we finished, I asked him what guitar he played. That led to a discussion that lasted four more hours. We talked about guitars, music, songs we like, concert performances and his band “Girth.” He told me about the band videos they produced and said they are real, but since he is a PR guy, he needed to add an audience effect. Dave and I stayed in touch and today at 4pm (right now at this minute), we were scheduled to meet in Istanbul. I kept the meeting on my calendar, and reserved the time to think about him. RIP Dave. Ahad Afridi, chief marketing officer, Yildiz Holding, Turkey Dave Robinson • Remembrances from Around the World • 59

I had the opportunity to be to his cardiologist/physician from 2008 until July 2012, just before I switched hospitals. He was fully dedicated to work, so much so, that it was often a case that he would miss his appointments and forget to take medications! Dave was a very handsome person with a great persona. This was very hard news for me to accept. Dr. Brajesh Mittal, head of cardiology, Al Garhoud Private Hospital, Dubai Dave was a larger than life character who knew how to work hard, play hard and get the most out of life. Thoughts of him will always bring a smile to my face, but also profound sadness that this very unique and immensely talented character has been taken from us so prematurely. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His big shoes are going to be very hard to fill. Elly Smith, senior recruitment manager, WPP, London Dave will not be easily forgotten. A passionate, outspoken advocate for our industry, Dave was one of the pioneers of strategic communications in the region. His spontaneous sense of humor, which added to the fun for those around him, will remain an indelible memory. We shall remember Dave as an industry stalwart: one of the pioneers in strategic communications in this region and a voracious supporter of MEPRA (the Middle East Public Relations Association) and our industry’s development. A larger than life character, we will always remember both his professionalism and his great sense of fun in all that he did. Dave poured his whole being into his work and his passing leaves a tangible gap that will be felt keenly by so many. On behalf of all the team at Weber Shandwick, we send our deepest sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues who mourn, and celebrate, this larger-than-life man. May he rest in peace. Ziad Hasban, chief executive officer, Weber Shandwick, Middle East North Africa

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With shock, I received [word by] mail of the sudden passing away of Dave Robinson. I remember with fond memories how Dave made my first ever official visit to H&K Dubai office a memorable one. I remember taking pictures with such excitement with this “big man.” May God console his family and loved ones at this irreparable loss. Ronke Adebule, executive director, JSP Communications Consultancy (Exclusive Associate H+K Strategies, Nigeria) Last Friday I received an e-mail from Hill+Knowlton Strategies. I glanced over it and noticed it was about Dave. I assumed it would be an announcement about yet another well-deserved promotion for Dave. When I started reading, I was shocked and saddened to find out the news about Dave’s passing away. When I think of Dave, a big smile immediately appears on my face. Dave and I never worked in the same office, but we met at H&K-related sessions all over the place. And we got along like a house on fire! I left H&K Brussels a few years ago. Dave and I kept in touch. In February of this year, we spoke at length on the phone. We decided it was high time to meet up again and when we found out we both were in the possession of a ticket to Athens, the deal was sealed. Both due to busy work and social schedules, we decided we would meet for a late afternoon drink. Of course drinks became dinner, dinner for two became dinner for six, after dinner it was more drinks and all that time we talked, laughed and talked some more. Dave was bright. Dave was fun. Dave was charming and kind and a friend who always gave me good advice. He was, however, not one to follow advice and loved to live his life in a ‘non-risk-free manner.’ I will miss Dave very much. I will miss celebrating life with him. This is what I promise: next time I am in Athens, I will have a drink for him. And even though I (officially) quit smoking a few years ago, I may smoke one while enjoying the Greek sun - just for the fun of it!

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I offer my condolences to all whom have known and loved Dave and of course especially to his family. Warm regards, Jeanette Hamster, H+K Alumna, head of European Affairs and Development Cooperation Team, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs I was only at H&K for 18 months, but without a doubt Dave left the biggest impression on me by a country mile. A true PR Tour de Force and a master of client management, he was a fantastic ambassador for the firm. I worked with Dave on a great destination reputation and branding assignment in Qatar. From our initial (and somewhat brief) pre-client pitch meeting until the final post-assignment feedback session we shared a journey full of hard work, challenging client demands and a HUGE amount of fun. It was without doubt one of the best experiences of my 30 years in PR. It is brutal blow to lose him at such an early age. The house band is pretty good up there, Dave. Keith Moon on drums, Billy Preston on keyboards, Duck Dunn on Bass, Janis on vocals and Jimi on lead guitar - you’ll settle into that company with consummate ease - just as you always did down here. God bless you Dave. Tarquin Henderson, H+K Strategies Alumnus, co-founder at ReEnergise Renewables, London I often heard people describe Dave as “very alpha male” and “larger than life.” As a result, I was really quite wary of meeting him. This is exactly the sort of person I tend to dislike. I found Dave to be the exact opposite. He was kind, funny, supportive and huge fun. Whenever I was in the Middle East and we met up. He was utterly charming and great company. Always trying to help, honest and to the point. I was deeply saddened to hear the news and send my sincere condolences to his family. If it is any consolation, Dave struck me as someone who lived life to the fullest (I met him once with his arm in a sling after falling of a motorbike). And I

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am pretty sure that isn’t a bad way for any of us to live - at full speed and enjoying every moment. He will be hugely missed by so many. Alex Woolfall, H+K Strategies Alumnus Words cannot express how stunned and deeply saddened I am to hear about Dave’s passing. I worked with him at H&K and he was always full of energy, life and good humor. He was always willing to help, even after I left the firm. He would still help guide and connect me to the right people and always offer me good advice. He was a supporter, a cheerleader and a friend from afar. My thoughts and prayers with his family and loved ones at what I know is a very difficult time. Claudine Moore, H+K Alumna We were so sorry to hear the sad news about Dave Robinson. Please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with you and all those who worked with Dave. Best wishes, Linsey Worgan, group account director, Dabo & Co., Dubai Forgive the intrusion during what is clearly a very solemn time for the Hill+Knowlton team. We were deeply shocked to hear the sad news of Dave’s untimely death and on behalf of the team here at Fleishman-Hillard, I would like to add our voices to the many condolences already expressed. Dave was an original who bestrode the communications industry in this region like no other. Just a few moments spent on Facebook today is evidence enough of the many lives he touched and will continue to influence years from now. Words are often cold comfort at a time like this, but as a former “H&Ker,” I wanted to express our support and solidarity for you both as you take on the tough and important role of consoling a very shaken team. David Kingsmill-Moore, H+K Alumnus, managing director, Fleishman-Hillard, United Arab Emirates

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It was with great shock and sorrow that we received the sad news of Dave Robinson’s untimely passing. Dave was a true leader in his field and in this region, and was instrumental in bringing Massaleh Media and H+K Strategies together. He will be greatly missed. On behalf of the entire Massaleh Media group and subsidiaries, please accept our deepest and sincerest condolences. Ziad A. Al-Duaij, vice chairman & managing director, Massaleh Media, Kuwait I just heard the very sad news about Dave Robinson and wanted to pass on my condolences. Heather Astbury, director of corporate communications, Dubai Mercantile Exchange This is really a tragedy and all our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the H&K family who lost a very well respected member who we’ve known for almost 10 years. Ger Peerboom, director of corporate communications region Europe, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation SABIC, The Netherlands I am so, so sorry to hear about your loss. What a sad day for the H&K family. Please pass along our condolences to your colleagues. Jodi Kennedy Gaffey, general manager, corporate communications, Americas and Innovative Plastics, Pittsfield, Maine On behalf of the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) team, I’d like to convey our deep sorrow and sadness for the loss of our colleague at H&K, Dave Robinson. Please convey our sympathy and sincere condolences to Dave’s family and colleagues, with our prayers for God to bless his soul and give patience and peace to his loved ones during this difficult time. Samir A. Al-Abdrabbuh, vice president, corporate communications, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Saudi Arabia

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My deep sorrow and condolence for the loss of a great & lovable guy. I knew him from afar and was always impressed by his energy and enthusiasm. May God bless his soul and give peace to his family and loved ones. Yousef A Saleh, manager, planning & performance management, corporate communications, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Saudi Arabia I cannot say how shocked and saddened we were on the news of our dear friend Dave passing away. Only few months back I had a lunch with him at the Dubai club. The first time we met him in Karachi, he came with Amin to dinner after he had given a talk at the Pakistan Advertiser Association and we began to like him. He was a person I would always like meeting. We have many fond memories of breaking bread together while enjoying deep discussions on diverse subjects including his love for jamming and riding through the desert. He was a great soul full of life. His insight and foresight on the region he managed was incredible and spot-on. We will miss him. Anwar (and Fatima) Rammal, chairman, Asiatic Public Relations Network, Karachi, Pakistan On behalf of PR Media, Fatime and I would like to express our sincerest condolences to Dave’s family and to our colleagues at H&K. We cannot believe our Dave has gone. We are stunned by the news. I exchanged a few emails with Dave while he was in India and we were planning to meet up in Dubai next week... we are at a loss for words... Dave’s mother, brother, and our colleagues at H&K are constantly in our thoughts We pray for them and wish them all the courage and strength possible during this tragic period. Alex Axiotis & Fatime Zohra Outaghani, PR Media (Affiliate of H+K Strategies), Morocco

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We have all read so many beautiful things this week since the tragic death of our friend and mentor Dave Robinson. It was often very difficult to continue reading without becoming emotional about those incredible tributes. And as I read each of them there was also a growing dread that I still had to write one, and to do that meant I had to dispel my disbelief and acknowledge the awful truth that the person I owe so much to has gone. What struck me most reading the tributes was that each and every one was so hugely personal and gave an amazing window into the life of Dave and the relationships he had. By that I mean it was clear that he had such a fundamental impact on so many people. How? How can one man have influenced so many people? How did he have relationships with so many people and yet each one felt very special and personal? How did he do all that and commit so much time to his career? How did he then also find time for his other interests? How? I genuinely have no idea and think that is the greatest legacy that ‘Tiny’ leaves behind; his amazing ability to make everyone feel special. Dave was so many things to so many people, but the most precious gift he gave us all was himself. So, thanks Dave. Thanks for bringing me to the Gulf. Thanks for making me laugh so hard I felt sick. Thanks for opening my eyes. Thanks for pretending that my guitar playing was coming along. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to build a better life for my family. Thanks for introducing me to some of my dearest friends. Just thanks. As my son put it when I told him, “If we didn’t know Dave then we wouldn’t have moved to Bahrain and I wouldn’t know all my friends. I am really sad.” Out of the mouths of babes…. Alec Peck, H+K Alumnus, director regional operations, Burson-Marsteller’s network of Middle East offices (ASDA’A) Roz has told me about Dave and I am devastated and so terribly sad. Although I didn’t know Dave well, I liked him hugely and he has been so good to Roz and I over the past year, we will miss him a lot. I can’t quite believe it. Rosemary Renton, director, Corporate Communications Consultants, Johannesburg, South Africa (an International affiliate of H+K Strategies)

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I just heard the shocking news about Dave, and I wanted to express my deepest condolences to his family, friends and all his colleagues at Hill & Knowlton. I had the opportunity to work with Dave when he first came to the region. I feel sad and my heart goes to his mother, family and friends for having lost such a son, brother or friend. My condolences go to all the people who have had the opportunity to live and work with Dave and experience his larger than life personality and his cheerful and intense approach to life. Randa Mazzawi, H+K Alumna, owner Borouj Consulting Dear friends and colleagues, It is with profound sadness and deep pain that we bid farewell to a beloved, respected and admired member of our community. Dave Robinson, President & CEO, Australia, Middle East, Africa, South & Central Asia at Hill & Knowlton, passed away unexpectedly after suffering what we believe was a heart attack overnight. Dave died peacefully in his sleep. Words cannot express the sadness and pain that many of us feel at this moment. Dave was a truly unique man. He is one of the few people who represented the best that a man can be and for many reasons: righteous, honorable, dignified, smart, professional and passionate about life. He extended this passion to his work, where he brought energy and excitement to everything he did; along with his team he took what was then a very good Hill and Knowlton into a very great Hill and Knowlton, in our region. Just imagine what he would have done had he had more time. As a leader and former chairman of the Middle East Public Relations Association, he helped transform the industry into one with higher standards and measurable outcomes – most important, he helped and often echoed in his wonderful booming voice that we all should be confident in ourselves and relentless in pursuing our dreams as people, and as professionals. For those of us who were close to Dave and knew him as friend and brother, his loss is devastating, not just because of the suddenness of his departure but because of

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the enormous void that we are all feeling, and the knowledge that no person can ever take his place or mean as much as he did to us. If anyone wanted honesty, they could find it in Dave. He always meant what he said, and everyone knew it. If anyone wanted respect, they saw it in how he treated all people – those who were small in life and those who were great. He saw and treated everyone with dignity and respect. Dave Robinson was righteous, honorable and dignified. Dave’s care and attention for everyone, anywhere and anytime meant he gave everything he had at all times – but at some stage that big wonderful heart could not give more. For those of us in the Middle East and in Greece, we should all remember this big heart: Dave was no stranger to us. He loved the Arab World and he loved Greece. He took in our culture, heritage and respected our accomplishments and history as human beings. He also believed in our future and worked tirelessly to secure a prosperous and successful life for the people of our region. But most of all, Dave will be remembered for the fact that he loved life and lived it to the fullest. He never let a day go by without making the most out of it. He gave everything to be a great friend and consummate professional. Dave leaves to a better place but his name and spirit will be with us forever and we will always honor him. Young, at the pinnacle of his career, loving life and loved by all, travelling peacefully into the heavens: what better way for a man to say goodbye. Goodbye dear friend, farewell my brother. Mazen Nahawi, president, News Group International, Dubai Please accept our sincerest thoughts and condolences from Ketchum Raad & TBWA Raad to all at H&K and Dave’s family. He has been a monumental figure in the PR industry in the region - and beyond - for many, many years. The news is a great shock and he will be dearly missed by all in the industry. Nicola Gregson, managing director, Ketchum Raad Middle East

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Dave regularly took time to walk around the Dubai office to chat with us. Although this was a bit scary when I was new and junior, I soon realized that having a relationship with his team was genuinely important to him. When you earned Dave’s respect for your work you really valued it. I’ll always remember the celebratory parties he hosted for us at The Rooftop bar! Tessa Flanagan, H+K Alumna Dear Dave, I’m sorry that we didn’t get to meet the last time you were in Perth, Australia. Even though our professional lives crossed for a short time you left a lasting impression on me and I’d like to thank you for your kindness and generosity. You were a talented, highly intelligent and articulate person who encouraged your staff to be brave and bold. Sometimes when you entered the Dubai office your sheer physical presence was a little intimidating and Ellie (Bennett) and I could see people scurry to make themselves look busy, which wasn’t hard to do because the office was always in overdrive mode. Generally, you just wanted a chat and to do a temperature check of morale and you’d walk by our desks, prayer beads rolling in between your fingers, and you’d stop to charm the admin girls – always seeing that everyone was ok. I appreciated and was in awe of your ability to cut to the chase and summarize a complex issue - your entry and swift departure into meeting rooms was legendary, as was your networking skills. Thank you for encouraging us to be bold, brave and to have the confidence to believe in ourselves. You were a great leader and a visionary. May you be at peace wherever you are. Kathryn Ogilvie, H+K Alumna

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My earliest memory of Dave was meeting him at a work maybe around January 2005, at a standing cocktail reception while I was 8 months pregnant. He was being introduced as the new CEO of H&K Middle East. The room was full of people, and while the global CEO was speaking, Dave walked out of the room quietly, found a chair from somewhere and brought it for me so I could sit. That’s the first time I felt his kindness and insight. Over the years that followed, he continued to inspire and drive his people, including me, and grow the business. He was a very charismatic man, extremely intelligent and sometimes intimidating, but never short of humorous anecdotes about his bike rides or falls. He captivated audiences whether it was during his presentation or when he was playing his guitar. My decision to leave H&K in early 2012 was a very difficult one, but I will never forget how touched I was and how proud I felt that on my last day, he came and gave the leaving speech for me. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity and privilege to know him as a boss, mentor and friend. I miss him very much. Deema Termanini, H+K Alumna, director of public, Middle East & Africa continent, Marriott International, Inc. Dave was a man of high integrity and values. His belief in the ability of his people was something that amazed me about him. He was always willing to go the extra mile for his team and was not afraid to learn from others, as long as that learning experience meant that the whole team will be better because of it. He will be terribly missed. Saad Abdul-Latif, chief executive officer, Pepsico Asia, Middle East and Africa “Sects and the City” he called it, though it was just a bunch of friends (all from different sects and nationalities) getting together in Dubai for dinner and laughter. To say that Dave would light up any room he walked into is an understatement. He electrified it. I never laughed as hard as when he told his stories. At every checkpoint in my career since I met Dave, I would call him for advice and he always obliged (whether he was driving to the Marrakech film festival or boarding to get on a plane) and gave me his bird’s eye view. Dave, you will always be a cut above the rest. Your charisma, charm, astuteness and ability to impress the unimpressable

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are second to none. Even though you sent me to stay at (what I thought was ) the worst hotel in Cairo and kept reminding me how Tala is much funnier than me, I will always cherish the times we had, especially at WEF Dead Sea, and will always feel blessed to have known you. Rola Zaarour, H+K Strategies Alumna, friend and former client, Cairo It’s amazing the number of ‘Daves’ who live in Dubai. It’s by some distance the most popular entry on my contact list. There was, however, only one ‘Big Dave’. We first met when he arrived from Greece with great enthusiasm and grand plans for H&K. It’s a testament to his character that in all the time he spent here he lost not a jot of the enthusiasm or the ability to see the bigger picture. That’s not to say that he didn’t go through the ups and downs of living and working in a region, which can be as frustrating as it is rewarding. You could be sure, though, that Dave would have a bitingly witty observation on whatever the frustration of the day was. Dave operated at full tilt - time spent with him felt like double-time. As anyone who knows him will testify, Dave did a lot of talking but when it mattered he always had time to listen, particularly if he sensed an individual was feeling troubled or upset. A passionate musician, I couldn’t believe that he was at one time in Dubai playing in three bands at the same time. Well, what would you expect?! The very last words I had with him two weeks ago as I left his home after a typically entertaining whirlwind of an evening were to encourage him to treat us to a gig around the pool at his villa. ‘I’ll even put up with your dog’, I told him. ‘When the weather cools down a bit...’ he replied. I’ll miss our winter walks around Safa Park, I’ll miss the monster bowls of pasta sitting at his kitchen table, I’ll miss the hilarious anecdotes machine-gunned at his appreciative audience, I’ll miss the odd, mad afternoon spent eating steak, drinking the second least expensive red wine and talking with Dave and several other media people. I’ll miss Dave’s warmth, support, humor and friendship. Big Dave’s left a very big gap. James Mullan, H+K Alumnus, managing partner, Insight Consultancy, Dubai

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Our company is an affiliate of Hill+ Knowlton and we have had a close working relationship with Dave over the last few years. While my colleagues, Roz Thomas and Rosemary Renton, have had a closer association with Dave than I, I did meet him on a couple of occasions in the earlier stages of our relationship with Hill+ Knowlton and remember him very well. He was very charming and insightful and took a keen interest in our company. I would like to say how very sorry we all are that he is no longer with us and wish to pass on our sincerest condolences to his family and everyone at Hill+ Knowlton – he will be greatly missed. Sue Brewitt, director, Corporate Communications Consultants, Johannesburg, South Africa Dave Robinson, Big Dave, Davlar…our leader, my mentor, the guy who I went up to at my first H&K Christmas party, fresh off the boat and having drunk way too much wine and decided a great way to get to know the “big boss” would be by telling him what I really thought…as Melanie kindly relayed to me the next day I slurred: “I thought you might be a bit of an idiot being the big boss and all, but you’re actually alright!” And he was, more than alright. Throughout my time at Hill+Knowlton, Dave was the constant. The one you always tried to impress, the one you turned to for advice, the one you called in a state of panic from Abu Dhabi when the roof of the arena was falling in and a crowd of 40,000 was gathering for a concert that had yet to be cancelled. He was the one that held the H+K Strategies family together – you always knew if something bad happened, if you ever needed help – Dave would do everything in his power to make sure you got it. It wasn’t just work to him – it was personal. Davlar – I can’t believe you are gone. In death as in life, you have had such a huge impact on us all. You have taught me how precious our time on this earth is. From now on every time I sweat the small stuff, I will think of you and be grateful for every second I have. Hope you’re hanging with the other rock stars, big man. Abby Wilks, H+K Alumna

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I have a lot of images of Dave in my head. One of him sitting behind his desk in the H&K offices in Dubai hollering to the other people who shared the regional office; another of him walking through the office stopping at each desk, and taking the time to chat, congratulate or laugh with each member of the staff on his way through; and of him relaxing and having a drink with us all on a beach in Bahrain. I first met Dave when he interviewed me for the job at H&K Dubai in 2006 – I was 24 years old and more than a little intimidated by the man in front of me. His first question was “In a movie of your life, who would play you?” I was sure after my total failure to offer a witty response that he would not give me the job – but he did, and I will be eternally grateful for that. Because in the years that I worked at H&K and even beyond them, Dave offered me a huge amount of support, advice, guidance and encouragement both as a boss; a mentor and a friend. My initial intimidation by him faded when I saw how fiercely protective he was of his staff and friends and how generous he was with both his time and wisdom. I am so sorry that I didn’t ever tell him while I had the chance just how big an impact he had on my life as a whole. Like teachers, good bosses change you for the better both professionally and personally – they give you experiences, opportunities and knowledge that shape you as a person and in that respect Dave was more than a good boss to me – he was an outstanding boss. I will miss his presence in the world. Ellie Bennett (Thompson), H+K Alumna, associate director, Harvard PR, London When I joined Hill + Knowlton Strategies a long time ago, one of my first wishes was to be part of the “happy few” for the very attractive First Chair Training. And guess what…I got invited! Long weeks of excitement followed and growing pressure… many rumours about the content, the format, and the expectations. About people bursting into tears or laughs. After a short introduction, I met my mentor. A giant impressive Dave, respected by all and known for his unique reputation. Wow! Dave Robinson was MY mentor! Ok, I was impressed but immediately felt ‘at home,’ having someone in the room that would stand by me, no matter what I would be going through in the coming days.

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We shared a great dinner with our team and after some good wine & food and 1001 anecdotes about ourselves; we were all feeling part of a solid group. The morning after, I decided to raise my hand and volunteer for a warming-up exercise. Dave came to me and discreetly told me (yes, he could be discreet) “Well done Katia. You said yesterday night that imposing yourself in another language was not always easy for you and here, well, you were brilliant.” I can still feel the moment of joy and pride, which Dave managed to generate in me. Since that first meeting, we’ve sporadically been in touch, mostly through Facebook, encouraging one another to run an extra kilometre. For me it was under the Belgian rainy weather and for Dave it was in the heat of Dubai with 45°. All of it meant to me that Dave cared about me… Asking how I was doing, feeling, coping, fighting, progressing… THANKS for all these magic little moments, Dave. I will cherish them deep in my heart. And keep playing for us… it suits you so well to be a rock star! Katia Delvaille, managing director, H+K Strategies, Brussels A number of years ago I received a call from the CEO of Hill & Knowlton for the Middle East region. A certain Dave Robinson had requested a meeting to discuss the possibility of having our fledgling PR agency represent H+K in Jordan. To say I was excited and incredibly nervous would be a serious understatement. This was Hill & Knowlton. The first PR agency I had ever come across. The one that got me interested in PR in the first place. The company that I had always wanted to work for. Needless to say, I wanted to make sure this happened. Dave came to Jordan and we met up in a hotel nearby. From the moment we met he was a calming influence. He understood we were new to the market, less than 6 months old and we still had a lot to learn. He was taking a risk. But I guess due to having been in a similar position earlier in his career he was willing to help us succeed and that’s what he did.

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From day one he was always there to guide and advise us and was always on call whenever we needed his input. He put the resources of H+K at our disposal and ensured that we had the support we needed. It’s safe to say that thanks in large part to Dave, today we find ourselves positioned as one of the leaders in our market. He got in touch a week before he passed away. He had a new opportunity for us that would allow our group to expand our operations to a new market. Sadly, I didn’t have a chance to tell him that we met with his contacts, all went well and that things look like they are going ahead. Thanks again, Dave. We will be forever grateful. Rest In Peace. Karim Mardam-Bey, managing director, iRelations (Affiliate of H+K Strategies), Jordan It was only two weeks ago that I left Hill+Knowlton Strategies after a great four year career there. Whenever you leave a company, there are always a few private one-onone notes you want to send out to specific people and Dave Robinson was one of those people I reached out to. I had the utmost respect for Dave and worked with him quite a few times on growing business globally, as well as collaborating and sharing our knowledge at H+K Strategies leadership events. Dave was a big man with an even bigger heart. In his very personal email reply to me, Dave closed by saying that ‘I look forward to our paths crossing again’ and I think those words work perfectly now as Dave, I too look forward to our paths crossing again. A kind man with a gentle soul, warm heart and great sense of humor. The world’s loss is Heaven’s gain, Dave. You will be missed, sir. Charles Zinkowski, H+K Alumnus, senior director, marketing and communications, Canon Business Solutions, New York I am very, very sad to hear about Dave. He felt like a friend from the moment I met him. My last memory is sitting in Soho Square over a beer while he told me about his trip around the Mississippi Delta in search of the Memphis blues. I think he found them. He certainly found a steel guitar. He was a big, open, honest guy and there is less light in the world now that he has gone. Sam Berrisford, H+K Alumnus, Berrisford Consulting, Derbyshire, UK Dave Robinson • Remembrances from Around the World • 75

When I first met Dave, he showed up at the H&K office with his laptop that was this fancy write on tablet in 04 - state of the art technology (then)! I remember he had a plethora of questions and furiously wrote every answer. He was so eager - I admired that about him from the start, but I was already frustrated and checked out and left the agency. However, true to Dave Robinson’s decency, professionalism and JUST Dave - he stayed in touch. For that I’m ever so grateful and it breaks my heart he left us so young. I was lucky enough to see him last year (2011) and catch up. I listened to his music live and on tape and heard his story of losing his finger (any chance we can do the right thing with that too?) and he gave me a CD...not of his music, but one about blues and a cat named Buddy Love. Really touching as he knew about me and my stupid connection with my fat Persian cat named Buddy Love that I’ve had for eight years. Yet, I sort of thought it was his way of saying you are not stupid, you are human. Dave related to people so well on a human level and was just so generous. God Bless his soul. Deborah Plumstead, H+K Alumna, Washington, DC As the National pointed out in his obituary, there were many sides to Dave, PR machine, petrol head, musician, one time contestant on ITV hit show Man-O-Man, and it would probably take a lifetime to know them all. So many people will now no longer have that life time, but like so many I am sure, I am just glad that I was able to scratch the surface. A few memories: At the H+K Middle East College in 2010 to celebrate 25 years in the region, Dave in the same way that he could identify someone’s strengths was acutely aware of other peoples’ weaknesses. In my case it was suffering the after effects of a particularly fun team night out. Upon delivering our team’s group project in front of the entire company, Dave spotting my inability to string more than two words together invited anyone with questions to direct them solely at me. They did, I buckled, as he knew I would. But I took this ribbing to be a case of Dave liking me, which meant a great deal to me both professionally and personally.

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I once spent four hours with Dave in a client meeting to devise a political strategy for one of our highest profile clients in the region. My role was to take notes, as well as and to quote the big man himself, “Not make me look stupid for bringing you along.” Four hours of note taking made my hand hurt, but my head was also swimming as I had never before, and doubtless won’t again, be in the presence of such acute understanding of a client’s needs, goals and vision. The follow up meeting was delivered by Dave in equally impressive style because he was up to his eyeballs in pain killers following some motorbike accident out in the desert. I am glad that for Christmas of 2010, Dave didn’t have a long wish list from Santa since I was Father Christmas that year. I am not sure I could have handled him sitting on my knee as he could have run through a whole list of vintage LPs, guitars, motorbikes and cars. Dave’s passing leaves an enormous hole in this region, he epitomized what it means to be a trusted advisor, commanded the loyalty and respect of all those who met him. Crucially this never seemed to be demanded, but instinctively people knew that here was a man to be listened to when he spoke. Nick Farmer, H+K Alumnus, account director, Bell Pottinger, Dubai One of the most impressive individuals I have had the pleasure to meet. His presence in a room was clear for all to see. Straight to the point and crystal clear in his advice. As a guy to make things happen, Dave will be sorely missed. Mike Vertigans, freelance communications professional and CIPR /MEPRA, Dubai “The travels of footsteps and contemplation gone before, the journey now is rested.” Our thoughts are with everyone at H+K. Lara Lynn Golden, AMEinfo.com Press Desk, Dubai Big Dave Robinson I can’t express how much I will miss your company and the sadness I feel in your passing, you will leave a gaping hole in our lives. I looked forward to our biking trips in the desert throughout the winter and our summer biking vacations. Your wicked sense of humor, easy laugh, worldly

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knowledge, and fearless appetite for life made you one very special person, a great human being and one of a kind. You never failed to amaze me with your all round knowledge and skills, whether that be in work, writing, music, food, playing the guitar “a member in two different bands”, your command of foreign languages. You were a natural born leader and an inspiration to us all. As the saying goes “The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long” and my friend you shone brightly, radiantly, with a passion for life second to none. Many of us know you crammed more into your life than most of us could achieve in two life times. You will be sorely missed by all who knew you. Rest in peace dear friend. David Deans, managing director, Hunting Energy Services, Dubai It was a pleasure to know and work with Dave over the last few years. The fact that he was one of the architects of PR and Communications in the region is without doubt. What is also without doubt is that he had many people from all over the world who are going to miss him. My best to all his family and friends - and in particular, Damaris and Andy at McKinsey for introducing me to him. Talal Malik, head of external relations Middle East, McKinsey & Company, Dubai Dave, You are missed. We spent five years at Hill & Knowlton working together looking at things from different angles. Sometimes fighting structures that we thought to be rigid and unnecessary. In spite of your success at a high corporate level, I actually think that deep in your heart you were an entrepreneur with a noncorporate attitude. I would like to share a quote by Mae West with you Dave, “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” and I think you did. Bo Albertsson, H+K Alumnus, Gullers Grupp, Sweden

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This is Kevin who used to run Kuwait and Bahrain. Just heard about Dave – helluva shock. Condolences to you and whoever from the team is still there who remembers me. Kevin Hasler, H+K Strategies Alumnus, general manager, BPG Public Relations, Dubai Dave Robinson. A man of strength and great character. Passionate and professional and goal getting. Nigeria and Africa will miss him. May God strengthen all the members of his family. Dr Phil Osagie, global strategist, JSp Communications, Nigeria Dave had this extraordinary ability to make you feel like anything was possible a magical gift for anyone lucky enough to know or work with him. I will forever be inspired by his insatiable curiosity, his fearlessness and his unique capacity to lead so generously with head and heart in equal measure. Sarah Trombetta, regional director, H+K Strategies, Hong Kong My mate Dave – the Rock ‘n Roll CEO. I think I only spent a few days at most (all-in) in Dave’s presence. But that was over many years. Other than that, it was an online relationship sharing our common loves – music, food, travel and swearing. And a wicked sense of humour. First time I met him (as Melanie Faithful Kent can testify) was in Bahrain where he was ‘interviewing’ me as a telecoms consultant. We spent about an hour talking about this and that and though I tried to steer the conversation towards work, he invariably led the conversation back to something a lot less boring. And like everyone involved in conversation with Dave, where he led, I gladly followed. Over the last few years, we would spend ages swapping You Tube clips, many of which were rarely listened to but which we liked. He had a fairly eclectic taste but rock and roll was his thing (balanced out with some fantastic classical tracks too). We would also dine together over the Internet – i.e. I would read his amazing blogs

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about some incredible meals; all exquisitely described in detail with analogies that made me totally understand what he had eaten. A week or so before that horrible day, I listened to Dave on a Dubai Radio station giving his views and opinions about various news items. This was the real pro Dave – clever, insightful, wise and astute. I was pissed-off that there was no one else listening to the radio in my flat! I really wanted to say ‘That’s my mate!’ I dropped him a message after saying ‘Well done’. He wrote back and said ‘I think it sounded like a lot of bullshit.’ I wrote ‘That was in my first draft’. Opening up Facebook is a little flat these days because I miss his posts. I am sure all of us do. I can only imagine how sad it must be for those of you who were fortunate to be regularly in his physical presence. ‘Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.’ Julius Caesar. Am proud and lucky to have known you, Dave. Alan Brough, communications consultant, Gulf Region

Andy Sutherden has just called me to tell me of Dave’s sudden passing. I wanted to convey my condolences and best wishes to Dave’s next of kin and all in the H+K family - to whom Dave was such a massive figure. It must be a very difficult and sad time for everyone and my thoughts are with you all. When I think of Dave — I think of a man of many attributes: A man of kindness… of spirit…of irrepressible energy…of zeal and courage, and of immense generosity. And most of all — a man of compassion. He had a heart the size of an ox. It comes as no surprise this beating heart was not able to sustain him for longer. Dave’s personality, energy and soul needed the heart of a super-human. He and I were almost contemporaries in age and in our H+K joining. I think we tracked each other’s careers with pride and interest. I think we found kindred spirits in each other — of men who by moments have put their work before their private lives and for who balance and measure were not always easy concepts for us to grasp.

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I remember many nights out with Dave. Always accompanied by cigarettes, a decent bottle of wine, fine food and incomparable humour and fun. In 2005, we were for 6 months a kind of PR double act. We were hewn from the same oak and we became good pals. When I left to join HSBC, Dave was one of the very first to congratulate me and also to remind me that just because I was going to the Dark Side, our friendship must not wane. How could it? He leaves a massive void and truly his was a mould that was broken at birth. There can never be another Dave and for that I will mourn, but also celebrate. For having the privilege to know him during his short life. To have ridden into battle with him professionally and socially. He was mercurial and vulnerable in equal measure. And for those reasons, I shall never forget him. Giles D Morgan, H+K Strategies Alumnus, global head of sponsorship + events, HSBC Holdings, London I have been out of the country for a couple of weeks, and returned to the so sad news. Everyone’s thoughts and feelings from all of us at Edelman around the world are with Dave’s family, and everyone at H&K. If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know. Dave was a giant, and it was a pleasure to be able to know him. Iain Twine, general manager, Edelman Middle East and Africa, United Arab Emirates

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Remembrances from colleagues and friends at WPP Companies I am truly sad and sorry to hear of Dave’s death. It was so untimely. The evening before he died my son, Sami, was talking to me about Dave who was at the same WPP seminar that day. I have met Dave on a few occasions and although unfortunately we were not very close, I have learned to respect him from his reputation and contribution to the PR industry in MENA. Please convey my condolences to his family and to the entire H+K and WPP families as well. May his soul rest in peace and in God’s love. On behalf of Memac Ogilvy in MENA, I wish you all good health and prosperity and may Dave’s legacy last for many years to come. Edmond Moutran, chairman & chief executive officer, Memac Ogilvy & Mather Holding, Beirut Sad news. Our sincere condolences to the family. Eric Hanna, chief executive officer MENA, Grey Group, Dubai Sad news. Our sincere condolences. Olivier Auroy, managing director-Middle East, FITCH, United Arab Emirates Our condolences to Dave’s colleagues and family. Gagan Bhalla, general manager, AMRB, United Arab Emirates I didn’t know Dave, but it looks like he had a huge impact in the WPP world and will be sadly missed. Condolences go to family and friends. Travyn Rhall, chief executive officer – Africa, Middle East & Asia Pacific, Millward Brown, Sydney

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Dave’s passing is sad news and a huge loss to Dave’s family, WPP and his beloved ones! May God bless his soul in heaven. Our condolences to all concerned. Samir Ayoub, Mindshare MENA, United Arab Emirates It was a pleasure and privilege to have met Dave. He was a good friend, particularly with our CEO, Christian, and was always generous and supportive to us. Our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Andy Hayes, Lambie-Nairn Middle East, United Arab Emirates We are indeed in shock at this sudden loss; everyone who knew and worked with Dave appreciated what a great professional and a lovely person he was. May God rest his soul in eternal peace. Please convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones, may they have the courage and patience to cope with this tragedy. Our prayers are with them. Vatche Keverian, CEO, Gulf, JWT, United Arab Emirates Awful news. Our condolences to all. Dave was a true professional and a great guy. He will be truly missed by all. May god bless his soul. Joseph Ghossoub, chairman & chief executive officer, MENACOM Group, United Arab Emirates It is with deep shock and sadness that I learned of Dave’s passing this morning. He was a good friend and a fierce and worthy competitor. I will miss him greatly. Sincere condolences to his family and all at H+K Strategies. Sunil John, chief executive officer, ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller, United Arab Emirates

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This is terrible news. Dave was larger than life, both physically as well as his personality. Every time I would meet Dave (largely restricted to WPP events like Board meetings/ WEF, as he was not to be seen too often in Dubai given his InterContinental role) he would tell me how he desperately needed to change his lifestyle. The industry and WPP group companies will miss him nearly as much as his family, friends and colleagues. Dave was a good man. Avi Bhojani, group chief executive officer, Bates PanGulf, United Arab Emirates The team and I at The Brand Union are extremely sad to hear of Dave’s passing. He has always been a support to our business, an incredible character and an amazing spokesperson, not only for H&K, but for the WPP Group as a whole. We will miss you Dave. Our sincere condolences to Dave’s family, close friends and to the team at H&K. Hermann Behrens, CEO, The Middle East, The Brand Union, United Arab Emirates Dave was not only a WPP colleague, but a good friend of us all. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. Please join me in extending our sincere condolences to Dave’s family, and his teams at Hill+Knowlton Strategies. Roy Haddad, director, WPP Middle East and North Africa, Lebanon

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In His Own Words

We thought it somehow fitting that Dave would have the last word in this Tribute to him. Here are a variety of direct quotes and topics near and dear to his heart…and his wit.

On Music and Guitars Is working and looking forward to getting back to editing his version of Spinal Tap this weekend... Off to an Axes of Evil Reunion Session in the depths of Dulwich... rock n roll.... Angus is God. 1973 Fender Telecaster Deluxe — all original & mint...and she’s coming home to live with me. Nice.

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At the doctor’s discussing the possible THIRD amputation of my finger — this time to the knuckle.... YIKES! The lengths people will go to to stop me playing guitar! Jeez! Angus in my head in Mumbai. Nice. The perennial and largest question of life: “What if?”

On Himself Is tall today… Is a year older and still a fool… Is dead tired in doha… Is going to sleep in Saudi… Is fed up with rain. There was a reason we all left England! Bored of hospital so I attached the epidural to my head... Is in the UK, freezing his butt off and not smoking... Is just recovering from watching King Lear for three and a half hours... and is STILL not smoking… Has just been to the supermarket just a couple of days before Xmas in the UK. Not only did he not kill anyone at all, he is STILL NOT SMOKING!

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On Food andFitness And onto the finals of the couch Olympics...a selection of fish fingers and a piece of burned pizza is now to be followed by a mutton biryani and hummus with meat... I guess today is a write-off! Celebrating my first uninterrupted run (jog) around Safa Park... 3.4 kms, no stopping, no walking...and 34 degrees. Next challenge is speeding up!

On Motorcycles and Cars Busted nose confirmed. I’m not allowed to headbutt anyone for 3 weeks.... but the leg isn’t broken thank God! MAJOR crash in desert. Stranded for .d hours in searing heat & agony. am now stoned on painkillers in hospital. Have smashed the ball joint at the top of my right arm. Awaiting news from doc on whether surgery is needed... will be a while before I’m able to ride again. That’s certain.... :( Only the Italians could have a Lamborghini for a police car!

On Work Have just been interviewed by Very Important Person Magazine in Istanbul (like Hello!). Photo shoot tomorrow. I swear I’m not making this up! (On not winning at the Sabre awards) Don’t remember who did win the category as I was busy thumping things. Is working and looking forward to getting back to editing his version of Spinal Tap this weekend . . .

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Dave Robinson – Rock Star

Dave was a rock star. Literally. He was ‘Tiny’ and I was ‘Loz’. These were the names we gave ourselves and through which we lived a rock and roll fantasy during his years at H+K. We played at the drop of a hat for management meetings, training colleges, leaving do’s and anniversaries. His philosophy was “have bar will receive a gig.” We hijacked hotel bands, bribed drummers, coerced colleagues. Some like ‘Little Jerry’ van Seeters didn’t take much coercing. We even gate crashed a Halliburton event to find an audience. Our tour T-shirt could boast London, Berlin, Dubai, Amsterdam, Abu Dhabi, LA and Beaver Creek Colorado. He’d always insist on doing more songs than I could learn in the time and we’d fight over guitar solos or who was too loud – usually him. Our enduring argument was over which of us in a previous life was Keith Richards and which was Ronnie. I had to be Ronnie. And we did PR together. And he was a rock star at that too. I’m going to miss him a lot. As a colleague in our business – he was one of the smartest there is. As a character – he was the biggest in any room. As a friend – he made it all fun and everything was possible. And as a bandmate – you can share sports and all sorts, but music is sublime. I doubt I’ll play again without feeling that massive presence beside my shoulder. He’ll be saying, “Move over Loz, it’s my turn.” Rock on, Dave. Andy Laurence, Co-Chair, Global Corporate Advisory Practice, London

Hey Joe (Live: Jebel Hafeet)

Sharp Dressed Man (Live: Amsterdam)

One Step Ahead of the Blues (Live: Amsterdam)

Bright Lights Big City (Recorded: Dulwich Sessions)

Istanblue (Written, recorded, vocal and all instruments: Dave Robinson)

Dave Robinson 1971 – 2012

So put me on a highway And show me a sign And take it to the limit one more time Take it to the limit Take it to the limit Take it to the limit one more time Chorus from “Take It To The Limit”, The Eagles