Employee-owned, integrated marketing agency GS&F has announced with deep sadness the passing of company co-founder Hank Sherwood at the age of 85. He died peacefully of natural causes on Tuesday, May 19, in Las Vegas where he was living near family.
A graduate of Ringling School of Art, Sherwood began his career in Chicago, working for major agencies before moving to Nashville in 1969. Sherwood co-founded Gish, Sherwood & Friends in 1978 alongside Dale Gish, helping establish what would become one of Nashville’s most respected independent advertising agencies. In 1998, the company was purchased by Jeff Lipscomb (current chairman of the board) and Roland Gibbons (current board member), who built upon the strong foundation established by its founders. Today, the agency continues that legacy as GS&F.
Sherwood was known for his creative leadership, sharp instincts, incredible wit and steady presence. Over the course of his career, he helped shape campaigns for major national brands including Kraft Foods, Campbell Soup Company, General Mills, Bridgestone, Camping World, Martha White Foods, V-8 Vegetable Juice, and the State of Tennessee.
“Hank is part of the foundation of this company in every sense,” said Lipscomb. “His creativity, character, and belief in relationships helped shape not only our agency, but generations of people who worked alongside him. He was a great friend, and his influence is still felt throughout GS&F today.”
“Hank was a dear friend and the funniest man anyone could ever meet,” noted Gibbons. “He was enormously talented and a gifted creative. He was adored by everyone, and he always kept us laughing with his endless wit.”
Sherwood was admired not only for his creative accomplishments, but also for his warmth, humor, mentorship, and close friendships across the industry. His work and leadership helped elevate Nashville’s reputation as a growing center for advertising and creative excellence throughout the 1970s, ‘80s and beyond.
Nearly five decades after its founding, the spirit of collaboration, connection and creativity that defined Gish, Sherwood & Friends continues to guide GS&F’s work and culture. “Notwithstanding all of his other accomplishments, Hank’s most enduring legacy is his ability to connect with friends in a deep and meaningful way,“ said Gregg Boling, CEO. “That spirit of friendship continues here in how we work together to solve today’s advertising challenges.”
Sherwood was a legend. He was also a family man. The company extends its heartfelt condolences to Hank’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
