Mitchells hires O’Neill to bolster NZ media operation

Tim Burrowes

April 29, 2009 2:18

Philip O’Neill has emerged as MD of Mitchell Communication Group’s media operations in New Zealand following last year’s speedy departure from Clemenger BBDO Melbourne.

O’Neill joined Clems in late 2007 as a director with a focus on client services, but left after around six months. Prior to that he had stints as managing director of M&C Saatchi New Zealand and Whybin\TBWA Melbourne.

MCG CEO Stuart Mitchell said O’Neill’s brief is to make the group’s media operation as powerful in New Zealand as it is in Australia. He said: “Philip’s appointment adds critical skills, relationships and experience necessary in order for our media business to make the transition to becoming a strong communications company in New Zealand.”

O’Neill said: “I’ve worked closely with Mitchells over many years and I’m excited to be joining a team in New Zealand that I know well and respect hugely.”

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Tim Burrowes

Tim Burrowes is the publisher of Mumbrella and Unmade. He co-founded Mumbrella in 2008 and sister title Unmade in 2021. He's worked in the UK, Middle East, Asia & Australia and has specialised in writing about the communications world for the last 25 years. He wrote the book Media Unmade, published in 2021, and became the presenter of MediaLand on ABC Radio National in 2025.