Grey's Helen Johnston Dies

Helen Johnston, Grey Advertising's retired Media Research Director, died of cancer yesterday at her home in Manhattan. She was 74.

Johnston retired from Grey in 2000, after a career spanning four decades. On her 40th anniversary with the firm in 1997, CEO Ed Meyer described her 'no-nonsense analysis' as having earned the respect of the industry.

An acknowledged leader of the media research community, Johnston was elected Chairman of the Agency Media Research Council three times, and served for three years as Chairman of the Media Research Committee of the American Association of Advertising Agencies. She was also President of the Radio TV Research Council, and worked on a number of Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) research committees.

Her husband Timothy Joyce, who founded Mediamark Research & Intelligence (MRI), died in 1997. His co-founder and Chairman Alain Tessier said of Johnston that hers was a presence and personality not to be forgotten once encountered.

'Helen's wit and wisdom about life in general infused the practice of her profession, and should cause her to be a model for how it should be done,' he stated. 'Those of us in the business who knew her well, or even at all, have reason to mourn her passing. There are many more whose life she touched who will mourn as well.'

Johnston had requested that any memorial service be private.

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