Türkiye’s renowned advertising figure Paul McMillen passes away

Paul McMillen, the founder of Pamukbank Gallery—Türkiye’s first photography gallery—has passed away. A professional photographer, film director, and creative director at numerous advertising agencies, McMillen’s death marks the loss of one of the most influential figures in Türkiye’s advertising sector.

Paul McMillen: A journey from Belfast to Türkiye

Born in Belfast, United Kingdom, McMillen moved to Türkiye in 1974. He initially took on a faculty position at Middle East Technical University (METU) before embarking on a successful career in professional photography, film directing, and creative leadership in advertising agencies.

The veteran artist had recently suffered the loss of his wife, Geyvan McMillen, a renowned choreographer and academician.

Tributes from colleagues and friends

Necla Zarakol, Chairwoman of Zarakol Communications, shared a heartfelt tribute to McMillen, recalling their time working together. “One of the most intelligent and creative people I have ever known, Paul McMillen, passed away this morning. Despite working together for a short time, I learned so much from him. This autumn and winter, the advertising industry lost three important figures: Nazar Büyüm, Ersin Salman, and Paul McMillen. ‘Bay Paul’—as we called him—was truly creative, intellectual, and an impressive person. He helped me see the world and myself in a different light and boosted my confidence. I will always remember him with gratitude, respect, and love.”

Film director Umit Unal also expressed his sorrow through social media. “When I saw this photo on my friends’ Facebook stories, I couldn’t believe it. Bay Paul, Paul McMillen, has passed away. He was one of the most impactful people in my life. Not just mine, but he left a lasting impression on everyone he worked with. After Ertem Eğilmez, he was the person who believed in me the most and gave me opportunities. I shot my first commercial and many others thanks to him. I learned a great deal from him during the four years I worked at RPM/Radar. Bay Paul was not a boss who dictated, but a manager who was interested, discovered, and paved the way. He was an excellent reader, listener, observer, and artist. He also excelled as an advertiser. Born in Ireland, raised in America, and settled in Türkiye, he spoke beautiful Turkish and surprised people with expressions like ‘mumkun mertebe’ and ‘gayri-meşru,’ which are unexpected from a foreigner. He wasn’t foreign; he truly understood us and our country. I will miss his endless conversations. He was a huge loss.”

A lifelong career in advertising and the arts

Paul McMillen graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Cooper Union in New York. He worked as a lecturer, design director, and promotional consultant in London before moving to Türkiye in 1974.

After his academic tenure at METU, McMillen dedicated himself to professional photography, film directing, and creative leadership in advertising agencies. He founded Pamukbank Gallery, Türkiye’s first photography gallery, in 1984 and ran it for six years.

In 1984, he also established RPM Advertising Agency, where he served as both chairman and creative director. McMillen went on to create and manage several other companies, including Medyaturk, Imaj, and F Stop. He formed partnerships with global brands like CDP, Dentsu, and Carat. In 1990, he integrated Radar Advertising into RPM, renaming the agency RPM Radar. Under his leadership, RPM Radar won several awards, including for Toyota Yaris campaigns, and he spearheaded the Vadaa campaign for Yapı Kredi Bank.

Paul McMillen’s work extended beyond advertising. He was involved in photography and design curation, with notable projects such as the Imagine Istanbul Photography Exhibition at Bozar in Brussels and the Turkey Pavilion at the London Design Biennale.

He was also a founding member and trustee of Istanbul Modern and WWF Türkiye.