Ad Man Quits After Sexist Speech

British Advertising Genius Says Motherhood Makes Women 'Wimp Out'

(AP) 
British-born French, 61, known for his ever-present cigar, worked as a debt collector, trained as a matador and was agent to the heavy metal band Judas Priest before going into advertising.

He was among a generation of innovative admen, including future film director Ridley Scott and brothers Maurice and Charles Saatchi, who made a mark on British advertising in the 1970s and 80s.

Many of French's print ads are considered classics. One of the most famous shows a bottle of Chivas Regal whisky without a label, and the tag line, "If you don't recognize it, you're probably not ready for it."

Singapore-based French, who during the Toronto event was served drinks onstage by a woman in a French maid's uniform, was unrepentant.

In an interview with the Globe and Mail published Friday, French said there were few female creative directors "because you can't commit yourself to the job."

"You can't be a great creative director and have a baby and keep spending time off every time your kids are ill," he was quoted as saying.