📖 Overview
Kenneth Roman is a former advertising executive and business author best known for serving as Chairman and CEO of Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide from 1985 to 1989. His professional experience spans over 25 years in advertising and marketing leadership roles.
As an author, Roman has written extensively about advertising, business communication, and corporate leadership. His most notable books include "The King of Madison Avenue: David Ogilvy and the Making of Modern Advertising" (2009) and "Writing That Works: How to Communicate Effectively in Business" (co-authored with Joel Raphaelson).
Roman's insider perspective on the advertising industry and his direct experience working with David Ogilvy have made him a respected authority on advertising history and practice. He has contributed to various publications and served on multiple corporate boards, including Campbell Soup Company and Compaq Computer.
His writing style combines historical research with firsthand industry knowledge, particularly evident in his detailed biography of David Ogilvy, which provides insights into both the subject's life and the broader evolution of modern advertising.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Roman's detailed insights into advertising history and corporate leadership, drawing from his direct experience at Ogilvy & Mather. The biography "The King of Madison Avenue" receives particular attention for its behind-the-scenes perspective on David Ogilvy and advertising's golden age.
Readers praise:
- Clear, straightforward writing style
- First-hand anecdotes about industry figures
- Practical business communication advice in "Writing That Works"
- Balance of personal stories and historical context
Common criticisms:
- Writing can be dry and academic at times
- Some readers find the organizational structure jumps around too much
- Business examples can feel dated in newer editions
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: "The King of Madison Avenue" - 4.3/5 from 52 reviews
"Writing That Works" - 4.4/5 from 245 reviews
Goodreads: "The King of Madison Avenue" - 3.8/5 from 306 ratings
"Writing That Works" - 3.9/5 from 823 ratings
One reader noted: "Roman brings unique authority from actually working with Ogilvy, but sometimes gets lost in minute details."
📚 Books by Kenneth Roman
The King of Madison Avenue: David Ogilvy and the Making of Modern Advertising - A biographical account of advertising pioneer David Ogilvy, covering his life, career, and impact on the advertising industry.
Writing That Works: How to Communicate Effectively in Business - A guide to business writing that covers memos, letters, reports, proposals, and other forms of business communication.
How to Advertise - A comprehensive overview of advertising principles, methods, and practices, co-authored with Jane Maas and Martin Nisenholtz.
Management Style: The Roman Way - An examination of management principles drawing parallels between modern business practices and ancient Roman leadership strategies.
Writing That Works: How to Communicate Effectively in Business - A guide to business writing that covers memos, letters, reports, proposals, and other forms of business communication.
How to Advertise - A comprehensive overview of advertising principles, methods, and practices, co-authored with Jane Maas and Martin Nisenholtz.
Management Style: The Roman Way - An examination of management principles drawing parallels between modern business practices and ancient Roman leadership strategies.
👥 Similar authors
David Ogilvy wrote about advertising and business management from first-hand experience building a major agency. His books share similar practical insights about leadership and marketing as Roman's work.
Al Ries focuses on marketing strategy and brand positioning, writing extensively about advertising industry principles. His work complements Roman's advertising expertise with additional perspective on market dynamics and consumer psychology.
Philip Kotler examines marketing fundamentals and management principles through an academic lens while incorporating real business cases. His books cover similar territory as Roman's but with more theoretical frameworks and research-based approaches.
Roger Ailes wrote about communication, media strategy, and presentation skills based on his experience in television and politics. His focus on messaging and persuasion parallels Roman's emphasis on effective business communication.
Harold Burson documented his experiences building a global public relations firm and developing corporate communications strategies. His works share Roman's insider perspective on managing communications and building professional services firms.
Al Ries focuses on marketing strategy and brand positioning, writing extensively about advertising industry principles. His work complements Roman's advertising expertise with additional perspective on market dynamics and consumer psychology.
Philip Kotler examines marketing fundamentals and management principles through an academic lens while incorporating real business cases. His books cover similar territory as Roman's but with more theoretical frameworks and research-based approaches.
Roger Ailes wrote about communication, media strategy, and presentation skills based on his experience in television and politics. His focus on messaging and persuasion parallels Roman's emphasis on effective business communication.
Harold Burson documented his experiences building a global public relations firm and developing corporate communications strategies. His works share Roman's insider perspective on managing communications and building professional services firms.