Harry Pappafloratos: here’s to a life well lived
I first met Harry in the late ’70s when he applied for a job at Survey Research (now called Research International). He was fresh out of university, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Despite his unpronounceable name, there was something about him that I liked and he was hired for his first job.
Sometime after that I went to Auckland to set up Survey Research’s Auckland office and then Colmar Brunton Research. Harry stayed in Wellington, got into advertising (Charles Haines) and then later into research again (AC Nielsen).
I was so pleased when Harry agreed to open Colmar Brunton’s Wellington office in 2003 and become a shareholder. He and his team built it into a substantial business, because his reputation and mana in Wellington were so strong, built on talent and integrity. He attracted great clients and staff alike. Then in 2009 Harry became chief executive of Colmar Brunton.
I really enjoyed working with Harry. He was inspirational. He had great ideas and saw possibilities where others didn’t. His penchant for the white-board, fancy-dress and great events are legendary. He blended some advertising showmanship with marketing research – the mix was very attractive and, in my view, advanced the reputation of marketing research.
More than that, he was a great person, kind, genuinely caring and compassionate and very well-liked and appreciated, not just in New Zealand, but beyond in the Millward Brown empire. He has touched so many lives, not just in health, but also when he walked through the valley of the shadow of death.
Harry passed away on February 19, 2012 peacefully and with family. His was a life well lived.
Lee
February 21, 2012
Harry was a real gentlemen in every sense of the word and will be sorely missed, not only by those of us in the wider marketing industry, but also others that he met in his travels through life.
My sympathies to his family.
Lee
Phil Clemas
February 21, 2012
I'm really saddened to hear of Harry's passing. He was one of the real good guys.
My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Phil
David Grandi
February 21, 2012
Harry was a mate to me. We worked together whilst I was an ANZ and again as Agency Director for Marketing Impact. He was inspirational and I totally agree with Dick when he says that he changed people's opinions about Market Research. He was a master researcher and great guy. Will miss you Harry!
Nigel
February 21, 2012
A great guy and a huge loss for the industry as well as family and friends.
Alan Hard
February 21, 2012
Harry was loved by everyone he touched. A truly gentle man who adored his family – and who has left this world having made it a better place. Go in peace mate.
Maria
February 21, 2012
We worked together on a common client and while we might have been competitors in some ways, working with him was a pleasure and he ensured that never got in the way. One of the good guys, will be sadly missed by all in the research industry.
David Sakey
February 21, 2012
Harry
You were a great leader, mentor and friend. You will be missed by many in the industry.
jonathan symons
February 21, 2012
My first boss at AGB McNair in the early 90s. Telling him I was leaving 12 months later is still one of my more difficult working memories! Took me all day to work up the courage. He read many a research report I had done in the car on the way to the client – always impressed me at the time in my first job.
Last saw Harry a couple of years ago – as always laughing and enjoying life. Respected and missed
Carol
February 21, 2012
Harry was a friend and a fabulous colleague for more than 10 years. Working with him was always a delight – he brought his warmth and love for life to everything he did. Will miss you lots Harry.
Evangelia Henderson
February 21, 2012
Harry,
Above all , You were a wonderful human being , genuine and kind
as well as being a great mind in your profession . So sorry to hear that you have lost your battle but know that you have touched and impacted on many lives ..My deepest respects to your family and your Memory be eternal .
Jane M
February 21, 2012
Very sad to hear that Harry is no longer with us – he was kind and compassionate. When I resigned from CB he told me he didn't want me to go as I was loved – it meant a great deal to hear that from him. RIP Harry xx
Susie
February 22, 2012
Harry was the very first person I met in my very first research job 15 years ago, he was legendary, full of helpful advice and laughs. Gotta love a pump class addict!
Megan Cummins
February 22, 2012
Harry was one of life's good guys, who brought a mix of fairness, compassion, open mindedness and a great sense of humour to those he worked with. Others have commented on his research skills but it was as a colleague and leader I will remember him. He was fun to work with, inclusive and had no arrogance – a true gentleman. You will be sadly missed and fondly remembered Harry, RIP friend.
JR
February 27, 2012
As already stated Harry was a real gentleman and a superb researcher. He understood that research was useless without an in depth understanding of the clients business and it made him a valuable part of a marketers team.
When I joined S&S Wellington Harry was terrific to me – always supportive and ready to help me navigate my way around the Wellington market.
I saw Harry a few times around town in the last year or so, as he battled his illness. He was always positive, always kind, always supportive.
I will miss him a lot and my thoughts go out to his sons and his wider family.