Emerson Foote

Emerson Adonijah Foote (December 13, 1906 – July 5, 1992) was an American business and advertising executive who served as former chairman of McCann-Erickson. Foote later became an anti-smoking activist after resigning from McCann-Erickson.

Early life Emerson Foote was born on December 13, 1906 in Sheffield, Alabama. He graduated from Los Angeles High School in June 1922. Foote then enrolled at the University of Southern California in 1924.

Career Foote first worked on tobacco accounts in December 1938, for the American Tobacco Company. In 1942, Foote was a co-founder of Foote, Cone & Beldin.

In 1948, Foote caused controversy when as president of Foote, Cone & Beldin, cancelled a $12 million Lucky Strike account. Foote served as president of Foote, Cone & Beldin until 1950.

Foote joined McCann-Erickson on October 19, 1951 as vice president and served in that capacity until 1957. Foote was later elected the first chairman of the National Interagency Council on Smoking and Health and took office on December 1, 1964. Foote was also a life member of the board of directors of the American Cancer Society.

Personal life Foote suffered from stuttering and bipolar disorder. Foote was a former chain-smoker His wife predeceased him in 1985.

Books

Foote, Emerson. (2014). The Lost Diary of a Real Mad Man: Tales of Advertising & Mental Health, American Academy of Advertising, (posthumously)