Hylton Mackley AM, one of New Zealand’s pioneering advertising leaders who had an extensive career at Clemenger Group, has passed away.
In 1969, Mackley became one of four founders of Colenso in New Zealand. Clemenger Group purchased a stake in the agency in 1973 before it merged into the Group in 1987. At the time, Colenso was New Zealand’s largest marketing communications company.
Mackley was appointed finance director of Clemenger Group – a role he held until 2011, after which he became a non-executive director of the company and, more recently, Chairman Emeritus of Clemenger Group New Zealand.
Outside of Clemenger Group, Mackley served as honorary treasurer of the Victorian Artists Society (FVAS) and through his philanthropic contribution he was instrumental to the restoration of the Society’s Heritage Victoria and National Trust listed building, preserving the galleries that have housed artists’ work since 1874.
His involvement also extended to a prestigious award and exhibition hosted in his name, showcasing the best artistic talent in painting and sculpture each year.
He was also a director of the Barnett Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation involved in the affordable housing sector. He was highly regarded in the community for his fundraising efforts and financial acumen.
Mackley received an Order of Australia (AM) in 2018 for his contribution to the Advertising Industry and the Arts.
Clemenger Group’s former chair Robert Morgan said: “Hylton’s contributions shaped Clemenger Group and the industry in both New Zealand and Australia for more than 50 years.”
“His mischievous and entrepreneurial spirit has also remained part of Colenso’s DNA. The agency’s annual celebration of Founders Day recalls the story when Hylton and his co-founders would leave the lights on at the end of the day – making the other agencies think they were working through the night. For those who knew Hylton, this story would come as no surprise!
“On behalf of those who worked with or were mentored by him, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Hylton’s family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
Mackley is survived by his wife Eileen Mackley AM and sons Justin and Adam.
