NORTHERN PLANNER

He won't like me doing this, but since he's currently as far from the internet as could be, i.e the North Pole, there is nothing he can do about it.

I'm not talking about Robert Campbell, the legendary one with the big ears from Rainey, Kelly Campbell Roalfe.

I'm talking about Rob Campbell, the one from Wieden and Kennedy.

I'm talking about that one because I don't know the other Robert Campbell. I'm sure he's a nice bloke, but there's no reason he would talk to me. I'm a planning journeyman from Leeds. There's no reason Rob would either, but he does anyway. He's like that.

In fact, he talks to lots of people. He's incredibly generous.

Generous enough to blog nearly every single day about the job, offering all sorts of invaluable advice.

Generous enought to manage fantastic Account Planning School of the Web projects for aspiring planners around the world.

But it's more than that. In a business full of hubris, self importance and pretensiousness. Of arch irony and self satisfaction, he's totally authentic.

Not afraid to admit he likes Queen.

Not afraid to show how much he loves his Mother, his wife or his cat.

Not afraid to write in the most touching way about his departed father (who must have been quite a guy).

Not afraid to display absolutely no dress sense and doggedly stick to his army surplus shirts and Birkenstocks.

Not afraid to say what he thinks and tell it like it is.

Not afraid to admit when he's been totally wrong about Morrisey.

Not afraid to wear hats that him look a cross between Chewbacca, Justin Lee Collins and Mutley.

Who never defers to status – he treats everyone the same, junior planners, students, creative directors, CEO's.

And never uses his own. Never shows off about his considerable brilliance and incredible achievements. He just gets on with it.

No, not Robert Campbell. Rob Campbell. A shining example of generosity, authenticity and talent that gets on with being good, rather than talking about it.

The Rob Campbell who shows us that even Nottingham Forest supporting, Queen loving, Diet Coke addicts, not afraid to show their emotions, have time for everyone and don't seem to know that we stopped saying 'toptastic' in the '70's, can make it to the highest levels in this business.

Have fun with your Mum in the North Pole Rob.