Robert Goldstein was a visionary and pioneer in the advertising industry. The impact he made both professionally and personally "cannot be measured in years but in deeds," said John G. Smale, former chairman of the board and chief executive of Procter & Gamble.
Goldstein's keen intellect, wise counsel and statesmanlike approach were the key to his many accomplishments in dealing with the major issues facing the industry. He was a leader on such issues as agency compensation and conflict policies, the impact of mega-mergers on advertisers, commercial production costs and advertising taxation.
With foresight, Goldstein recognized the potential impact of cable television. For Procter & Gamble he made one of the first sizable cable purchases on CNN and WTBS, leading to credibility for national cable network advertising and the development of this new medium. He also helped to engineer a significant Procter & Gamble barter purchase in 1982, causing an immediate impact on the growth of barter syndication.
He served with distinction as a member of the Advertising Council, as chairman of the Association of National Advertisers, as a board member of the International Advertising Association and the World Federation of Advertisers, leading the development of strong corporate participation in the international associations. Goldstein also played a key role in encouraging the international development of several Procter & Gamble advertising agencies.
Within the Jewish community, he was a tireless worker. He served as president and finance chairman of the Northern Hills Synagogue and was active in the Cincinnati Jewish Federation, the Cincinnati Jewish Community Relations Council, the Jewish Community Center and Cincinnati Associates of Hebrew Union College.