Former Market Facts Chairman Bud Sherak Dies

In the US, Bernard (Bud) Sherak - a former Chairman of Market Facts and a pioneering developer of advertising market research tools in the late '50s and early '60s - has died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 91.

Bud, who grew up in Greenpoint in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, gained a BA and MA from Cornell University. After graduating, he accepted a commission as a Captain and meteorologist in the Air Corps, serving in England and France, where he helped to determine proper weather conditions for the ongoing invasion of France after D-Day.

On his return, he resumed graduate studies in mathematics, taught at Rutgers University and then joined Kenyon & Eckhardt as one of the first statisticians hired by an ad agency to develop market research tools. He went on to become their Vice President of Marketing.

He later joined Chicago-based Market Facts Inc (now part of Synovate) to found their New York office, and retired as Chairman of the Board of Market Facts and a member of ROC International.

On an automotive project, Sherak's team was once asked to find a standout name for a groundbreaking new line of cars. Their recommendation was not used immediately, the new line taking the name Edsel Ford to honour a pioneering family member; but was subsequently brought out for another model which became an American classic: Mustang.

In the mid-1960s, Sherak became concerned about the impact of the Vietnam War on American society, explored the topic in market surveys and joined a group of like-minded New York business execs who met Nixon Administration cabinet members in Washington to express their concern.

During his career, Bud also served terms as the Director and VP of the New York Branch of the American Marketing Association.

In his spare time, he had a passion for the natural world and was an accomplished entomologist, lepidopterist and ornithologist. He read widely and wrote verse and several radio plays, won a number of the New York Magazine competitions and was published in the New York Times Metropolitan Diary.

Bud is survived by his wife of more than 61 years Gladys, his children Donald and Nina, and his six grandchildren. Those who wish to honor his memory may do so by contributing to the National Resource Defense Council, WNYC Public Radio, Breast Cancer Action or Earthjustice.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.