One of the pioneers of modern mutual fund marketing just passed away. Wechsler Ross & Partners president Dan Ross confirmed that Arnold Wechsler died yesterday after a battle with lung cancer. Wechsler, a 67-year-old New Yorker, served as chairman and CEO of the New York City-based strategic marketing and design firm.

Wechsler founded the firm (then called Wechsler & Partners) in 1985. Since then, he and his team helped usher in a new era of more creative and personal mutual fund communications, working with a veritable Who's Who list of asset managers and other financial services firms, including: Ariel, Dimensional Fund Advisors, LPL, Matthews Asia, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Pimco, US Trust, Wachovia and many others. He frequently spoke at industry conferences.

"Arnold was a fantastic person, and he really helped create the Ariel identity," Ariel president Mellody Hobson told The MFWire.com, noting that her firm has worked with Wechsler Ross since 1994. "The industry is going to miss one of its best, most-creative minds. We're very, very sad about his loss."

"If you're in marketing, you definitely know Arnold and the work that Wechsler Ross has been doing," agreed Cathy Stahl, executive vice president of global wealth management marketing communications at Pimco. "I've known Arnold personally for many years. He was just lovely."

"Arnold was not just a visionary and an inspirational leader, but a great all-around guy whose life was full of laughter, fun and love for his friends and colleagues, as well as his family," Ross told The MFWire.com.

Ross confirmed that he and chief operating officer Hanna Shatz, Wechsler's other partner, will continue to run the firm.

Wechsler is survived by his wife, Susan, as well as two children and three grandchildren. The family has asked that those who wish to make a donation in Wechsler's memory contribute to the Riverside Park Fund in New York City. 

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