Mark Pritchett

Posted: August 11th, 2024

MARK PRITCHETT, former MGN advertisement sales director, died on June 12 [2024], aged 70.

Obituary by former MGN colleague, ROGER EASTOE: It is with great sadness that the family of Mark Carr Pritchett share news of his passing on June 12 [2024]. Mark died at the Princess Royal Hospital surrounded by his family – Linda, his devoted wife, daughter Kat and son Max.

Mark had a varied career befitting the talented charismatic individual he was. That included playing guitar in David Bowie’s band in the early 1980s, and later turning his attention to the world of media and newspapers.

Mark was a talented musician, much loved and appreciated by his band members. His music adventure started in his school days at Dulwich College in 1963. He was a self-taught guitarist at seven years of age, and went on in the 1960s and 70s to front many bands. Mark played with Bowie in the “Arnold Corns” period, and unbeknown to Mark at the time, Bowie borrowed Mark’s red Les Paul guitar for the photoshoot for the cover of the “Ziggy Stardust” album.

Alongside his love of music, Mark focused his attention on the media world, starting out at the Daily Express before moving to the Mail on Sunday. He later became the advert sales director at Eddy Shah’s Today newspaper during a revolution in the world of UK national newspapers.

Today did not fulfil its promise, and in 1987 Mark joined Mirror Group Newspapers in charge of development sales in the fast-moving consumer goods category. He was later promoted to advertisement sales director, and in 1988 he led the sales team that brought Mirrorcolour – as well as commercial inserting – to the UK national newspaper market.

Mark was a larger than life character with a legendary sense of humour. He possessed a range of skills that made him stand out as a salesman. A raconteur, a performer with a glint in his eye and a step in his stride.

Whether playing lead guitar for David Bowie’s band, fronting negotiations, or presenting a sales case, Mark hit the right notes – and got the order more often than not.

After Mirror Group, Mark worked for a number of media companies in the UK and around the world, as well as pursuing his love of playing and writing music. R.I.P