Lester Wunderman
Lester Wunderman | |
|---|---|
Lester Wunderman, 2008 | |
| Born | June 22, 1920 The Bronx, New York City, U.S. |
| Died | January 9, 2019 (aged 98) New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Advertising executive |
| Known for | Creator of direct marketing |
| Spouse(s) | Liljan Darcourt (divorced) Suzanne Oksman Cott |
| Children | 2 with Darcourt 3 stepsons |
Lester Wunderman (June 22, 1920 – January 9, 2019) was an American advertising executive widely considered the creator of modern-day direct marketing. His innovations included the magazine subscription card, the toll-free 1-800 number, loyalty rewards programs, and many more. He identified, named, and defined the term "direct marketing" in a 1967 speech at MIT, and was inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame in 1998.