Marty O’Halloran joins Thrive in advisory role

Nathan Jolly

March 13, 2026 10:29

Marty O’Halloran joins Thrive in advisory role

Marty O’Halloran has joined Thrive PR and Communications in a strategic advisory role

Thrive PR and Communications has secured former global chairman of DDB Worldwide Marty O’Halloran as a strategic advisor.

O’Halloran retired in 2024, after a four-decade career that saw him go all the way from DDB Melbourne account manager to global CEO and then global chair of the Omnicom-owned agency. At the height of his role, he oversaw 10,000 staff in over 90 countries.

In his advisory role at Thrive, O’Halloran will guide the company’s leadership team “as the agency accelerates its multi-market, multi-service ambitions, supporting strategic growth, nurturing creative excellence, leveraging unrivalled business connections and mentoring the next generation of communications leaders”, according to a media release.

This is the first executive advisory role in the company’s history. Thrive is also currently recruiting for a managing director and client partner in Sydney. Its clients include Harley Davidson, Afterpay, and Lego.

Thrive CEO and founder Leilani Abels said in the release that O’Halloran “has led one of the most awarded creative networks in the world and there are few leaders globally who are held in such high esteem”.

“He understands exactly how agencies grow and he’ll help Thrive to innovate, elevate creativity and continue to focus relentlessly on adding value to clients. Marty shares our belief that creativity and connections drive business growth, and that great agencies are built by creating environments where our people thrive.

“His perspective, mentorship and leadership will help us accelerate Thrive’s ambitions — to be the number one agency that communications professionals come to grow and build extraordinary careers, and where the most ambitious clients in the world choose to partner.”

O’Halloran said: “Thrive has built something special — a modern communications agency with strong values, ambitious leadership and a clear belief in the power of creativity and earned influence.

“I’ve always believed the best agencies combine strategic thinking, creative courage and a culture where talented people can do the best work of their careers. Thrive embodies that.

“I’m excited to advise Leilani and the team to help the agency continue its impressive growth trajectory and support the next generation of communications leaders coming through the business.”