French designer Gérard Caron died at the age of 82 years. An outstanding, very warm-hearted personality with an open mind – Gérard was one of the creators of the concept of brand design in France. He founded the first design marketing agency in France, Carré Noir, almost 50 years ago and it was thanks to him and his associates at the time that epda (PDA) came to life. With gratefulness we express our deep appreciation mourning the loss of one more co-founder of our association this year. You find more information about Gérard on his website: Admirable Design
Sylvia Vitale-Rotta, Gérard Caron, Uwe Melichar (epda Breakfast Talk, 2019)
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“I was very happy and proud to be the president of the PDA and to be involved in its foundation. The PDA was the precursor of many other professional associations that have made European economic union a reality well ahead of any European political union. But today the stakes have become global, and the brands that are our clients have become stronger in terms of their marketing strategy – and also in terms of the way they negotiate contracts and budgets. Our future, and the future of brand design, lies in a strengthening of our ties and a sharing of our knowledge. This is why the PDA is more indispensable than it has ever been … even if it means reinventing the organization. But then we are creatives, after all!”
Gérard on the occasion of epda’s 20th anniversary in 2011.
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Left: Gérard on the occasion of epda’s 20th anniversary in 2011 / Middle & right: The epda Board in 1991/1992: Knut Hartmann, Gérard Caron, John Parsons, Julien Behaeghel, Rowland Heming, Brigitte Evrard, Rob van den Berg
Gérard Caron together with Rob Vermeulen
“In December 2016 I was in Mumbai together with Gerard to participate in a conference on design, an initiative of Messe Düsseldorf. Together we visited a number of special places and we were guests of the head of the hare krishna. As always, he was incredibly curious.
I myself was very honored by his contribution to a conference at the Cube Design Museum in Holland, which featured the connection between past, present and future in the light of packaging design.”
Rob Vermeulen, epda board member
“Gerald Caron was a great design leader and a great person. I was Vice President of the association when he was President and therefore worked closely together with Gerald, his leadership and passion for design was a joy to behold. His professionalism and design knowledge impeccable, his contribution to our profession and our design association will be greatly missed.”
Rowland Heming, epda past president
