Dave Clark founder dies after long design career

Dave Clark, the founder of the brand and digital product agency Dave Clark, has died, marking the end of a career in design that spanned more than five decades.

Clark passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. He had stepped back from day-to-day involvement in the business late last year due to ill health. Management responsibilities had already transitioned to his co-founders, and the company's leadership and ownership remain unchanged.

Company origins

Clark founded the business in 2001 alongside Andy Brown, Andrew Smith and Jonathan Tillick. The group established the agency as a design-led firm and expanded its work across branding and digital products.

Over more than two decades, the company built a client base spanning government, corporate and technology organisations. Its operations extended across New Zealand, Australia and parts of Asia, supported by studios in multiple cities.

From its early years, the firm reflected Clark's background in design. While Clark was a designer by training, the agency evolved in scope under the long-standing involvement of the founding partners.

Leadership transition

Clark's withdrawal from operational duties occurred after a period of reduced involvement, allowing the remaining founders to assume full responsibility for the business.

Continuity in leadership was a central focus during this transition. According to the company, there were no changes to ownership structures or senior management roles following Clark's step back.

"Dave was immensely proud of the business and the people within it," said Andy Brown, Managing Director, Dave Clark. "He stepped back, knowing the company is stable and well-positioned for the future. That continuity remains firmly in place."

Industry career

Clark began working in design more than fifty years ago. Over that time, he became widely known within the regional design and digital sector.

His career included involvement in major branding and digital initiatives for large organisations. Colleagues describe his work as grounded in craft and sustained by curiosity about emerging technologies and approaches.

Beyond client work, Clark was recognised for his focus on developing people. Many designers and digital practitioners who passed through the agency during its growth credit him with encouraging professional development and collaboration.

Cultural legacy

Those close to the business say Clark's influence extended beyond project outcomes to the way teams worked together.

"Dave cared deeply about the work, but even more about the people," said Brown. "His influence is felt not just in what we've been building, but in how we work together."

That emphasis on culture became a defining characteristic of the agency as it expanded into digital products and experience design. Long-term staff retention and internal promotion were notable features of its operations.

Agency evolution

While the firm carried Clark's name, its services broadened significantly over time. What began as a design-focused practice developed into a multidisciplinary agency combining brand, digital experience and product design.

This evolution reflected changes across the wider industry, where digital delivery and experience design increasingly intersected with traditional branding. The founding partners shared responsibility for guiding this shift.

Clark remained connected to the business even as he reduced his involvement, maintaining an interest in its work and people while focusing on his health and family.

Family privacy

The company has asked for privacy for Clark's family following his death. No further details have been released.

The agency continues to operate under the leadership of Brown, Smith and Tillick, with existing management structures in place.

"Dave cared deeply about the work, but even more about the people," said Brown.