Vale Hylton Mackley AM, a pioneering figure in the advertising industry in NZ and Australia
Hylton Mackley AM, a pioneering figure in the Australasian advertising industry, has sadly passed. He was one of the founders of Colenso in 1969, which later merged into the Clemenger Group, where he played a key role in its growth across Australia and New Zealand for over 50 years.
Mackley was then 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.
Known for his sharp financial acumen, entrepreneurial drive, and mischievous spirit, Mackley helped shape the agency’s culture.
Former chairman of Clemenger Group, Robert Morgan paid tribute to his old friend and partner: “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.”
Beyond advertising, Mackley was a dedicated philanthropist, particularly with the Victorian Artists Society, where he served as honorary treasurer and, with his wife Eileen Mackley AM, donated significantly ($1.5 million) to restore its heritage-listed building.
In addition to being Treasurer of the Victorian Artists Society, Mackley was also a director of the Barnett Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation involved in the affordable housing sector.
In 2018, he received the Order of Australia (AM) for his contributions to advertising and the arts.
He is survived by his wife Eileen and sons Justin and Adam.
The industry is mourning a true builder and steward whose legacy endures in agencies, creative culture, and the arts. Rest in peace, Hylton Mackley.
