Mark Green, co-founder of The Monkeys and global CEO of Droga5, has passed away suddenly in New York.
Green, relocated to New York in 2024 to take on the global Droga5 role, had a heart attack on Saturday.
Green, or ‘Greenie’ as he was known to many, was a well-liked and highly respected member of Australia’s advertising industry.
The Monkeys, which Green co-founded with Justin Drape and Scott Nowell in 2006, rebranded to Droga5 two years ago. It was named B&T’s Agency of the Decade in 2019. In 2017, the agency acquired by Accenture.
The Monkeys and Droga5 have produced some of the country’s most impressive advertising work, including successive ‘Lamb Ads’ for Australia’s Meat & Livestock Association and the Cannes Lion-winning ‘Play It Safe’ for the Sydney Opera House.
Green is survived by his wife Rachel and teenage children Ari and Gisele.
In a statement, an Accenture spokesperson said.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we acknowledge that Mark Green passed away from a heart attack on Saturday in New York City at the age of 53. It was sudden and unexpected. As co-founder of legendary advertising agency, The Monkeys, President of Song ANZ and most recently, Global CEO of Droga5, Mark made an indelible mark on the advertising industry both in Australia and globally.
“Under his leadership, The Monkeys and Song ANZ captured our imagination with celebrated campaigns like The Government of Tuvalu’s “First Digital Nation” and Sydney Opera House’s “Play It Safe.” At the helm of Droga5, he scaled the agency to become a full-fledged global network, and for the first time in its history, it was named Ad Age A-List Network of the Year.
“He was a trusted mentor and friend to many, and his loss will be felt deeply by our entire family at Droga5, Accenture and Accenture Song. He will be remembered not only as the visionary that he was, but for his generosity, his humour, and his empathy.
“Mark is survived by his wife Rachel and their two children, Ari and Gisele. Our thoughts are with them and all his loved ones during this difficult time.
“Droga5’s leadership team is ensuring continuity for our people and clients. We will have more to share about Mark and his legacy, including details of how we will honour him, in the coming weeks.”
Michael Rebelo, chair of the Advertising Council Of Australia (ACA), said Mark would be remembered as much for his character as his achievements.
“The loss of Mark is incredibly hard to comprehend. We grew up in this industry together, from our early days as suits at Saatchi & Saatchi, and I feel very lucky to have called Greenie a dear friend. He was an exceptional leader, with strong business instincts and real creative bravery, who backed great ideas with absolute conviction and inspired those around him to go for it.
“He gave so much to our industry, but what I’ll remember most is his passion for creativity and his remarkable ability to bring people together, even rallying competing agencies for the greater good. It was a privilege to work alongside him on the ACA Board, and even more so to know him as a friend. His passing leaves an enormous void, and he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rachel, Ari, Gisele and Mark’s wider family.”
ACA CEO Tony Hale said the news was a devastating shock.
“I am stunned and heartbroken. It is such a tragedy, and my thoughts are with his wonderful family in New York at this incredibly difficult time.
“Mark was the quintessential new age ad man. Sharp, witty, entrepreneurial, and always with a wry smile and glint in his eye as he orchestrated the next deal. He was a friend, mentor, and Chair of ACA, during which time he totally transformed the organisation.
“A rare leader, he was fiercely ambitious for creative excellence, entirely devoid of cynicism, and relentlessly committed to the industry that he loved. He led with clarity, genuinely cared for people, and his generosity was boundless. His influence went far beyond his commercial success; he made a lasting difference to our business culture and the people in it.”
