Angela Mears, the chief creative officer of Weber Shandwick New York, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 31, 2023, at the age of 35. She was in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to judge the 2023 Andy Awards, a prestigious event that honors creative excellence in advertising. According to The Crunchy Report, Mears suffered a massive brain aneurysm on Monday, March 27, 2023, which damaged half of her brain. She was in a coma for three days before she succumbed to her injuries. Her loved ones were by her side until the very end. Mears also donated her organs to help others in need in Argentina.
A Force of Life and Ideas
Mears was a creative prodigy who joined Weber Shandwick in 2011 as an intern after graduating from Northwestern University. She quickly rose through the ranks and became the global creative executive director before being named the New York CCO in September 2022. She was responsible for leading the creative vision and strategy for some of the agency’s biggest clients, such as Microsoft, Unilever, Pfizer, and Verizon. She also won numerous awards for her work, including Cannes Lions, Eurobest, Clios, and SABRE awards. She and her partner Margaux Pepper won the Cannes Young Lions PR competition for North America in 2015.
Mears was widely admired and respected by her colleagues, clients, and peers for her passion, talent, generosity, wit, and grace. She was described as a force of life and ideas by Weber Shandwick CEO Gail Heimann, who said: “Angela was a force of life, a force for ideas, a force for friendship, a fearless woman who has rocked our world, our clients’ worlds and the world at large with her courage, compassion, generosity, wit, full-on genius and pure grace. Her loss is devastating and incomprehensible. For her family, foremost. And for the many, many in our network who loved her.”
A Loving Family and a Loyal Friend
Mears is survived by her husband Charlie Witowski, her mother Mamie Mears, her brother Andrew Mears, and her dog Bernie. She was also a loyal friend to many people who cherished her presence and personality. One of her close friends, Mananya Komorowski, said: “Angela was one of a kind. She was smart, funny, kind, adventurous, and creative. She always had a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She was a great listener and a supportive friend. She loved traveling, exploring new cultures, and learning new things. She was passionate about her work and proud of her achievements. She was a loving wife, daughter, sister, and dog mom. She touched so many lives with her light and love. I will miss her terribly.”
A Legacy to Remember
Mears left behind a legacy of creative excellence and innovation that will inspire generations to come. She was a role model for young creatives who aspire to make an impact in the industry and beyond. She also contributed to social causes that she cared about through her work and actions. She was involved in campaigns that promoted diversity, inclusion, sustainability, health, education, and empowerment.
Mears’ death is a tragic loss for the creative industry and the world at large. She will be remembered as a brilliant leader, a talented creator, a wonderful human being, and a beautiful soul.
Rest in peace Angela Mears.
You will be missed but never forgotten.
