Dennis Holt, a pioneer in the emerging field of independent media services agencies, passed away on Thursday. He was eighty-eight years old.
Holt most recently held the position of chairman at U.S. International Media (USIM), the second independent media services agency (established in 2004). This was years after he sold his first agency, Western International Media, to Interpublic in 1995. Western had become the largest independent in the United States by that time, and Interpublic ultimately employed it to establish its Initiative Media media services network.
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Holt, who began his media services career in the 1960s by working for one of the first companies, U.S. Media International, drew on the name when establishing USIM.
Holt and USIM’s senior management recently announced the formation of Kingstree Ventures, a holding company that comprises USIM and half a dozen additional specialized media shops. The company’s objective is to diversify and expand over time.
Holt was “never one to slow down,” according to a memoriam published by USIM.
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In fact, his entire life has been reminiscent of a Horatio Alger narrative, and in 1998, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans honored him with the Horatio Alger Award.
Holt would consistently and meticulously conduct “check-in” phone calls with his friends, former colleagues, and select trade reporters, frequently addressing himself as “Uncle Dennis,” primarily to maintain communication with those who were significant to him.
“Dennis’ legacy resides not only in the company he established, but also in the culture he fostered: a culture that is deeply human, principled, and bold.” “His values are the bedrock of our identity, and as we commemorate his memory, we advance with pride, guided by a seasoned leadership team and united by the vision he so powerfully established,” USIM notes in its memoriam. “His belief in the power of innovation and meaningful relationships influenced every aspect of USIM, and that spirit continues to influence the way we serve our clients and partners today.”
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