AUBREY BALKIND

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aubrey Balkind was an innovative thinker and highly creative businessman who co-founded one of the first integrated communications agencies. After graduating as a CPA from Witwatersrand University, he made his way to Columbia University for his MBA. In New York, his passion for the creative process led him to partner with designer Phil Gips, forming what eventually became Frankfurt Balkind — a 160-person firm spanning New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco that won every major industry creative award.

Among the agency's landmark projects were the launch of CNN, the identity for Adobe Acrobat, ESPN's graphic identity, and iconic movie posters for Rosemary's Baby, Alien, Forrest Gump, and Titanic. Later in life, Aubrey moved to Ojai, California, where he opened the Sane Living Center — a space reflecting his vision for a more mindful, less consumer-driven society. He passed away on May 15, 2025, at age 81, surrounded by family.