The Encore interview: Harold Mitchell
Harold Mitchell, founder of Mitchell & Partners and executive chairman of Aegis Media Pacific spoke to Tim Burrowes for an interview that first appeared in Encore.
THE CHANGING NATURE OF THE BUSINESS
Harold Mitchell on how the changing nature of the business has affected his routine, a typical day in his life, the importance of getting involved in pursuits outside of work including his passion for the arts and how 20 years ago he started doing what people who plan to retire do in their final days on the job.
CULTURE AND PHILANTHROPY
Mitchell talks about his philanthropic endeavours, whether the ad industry is a source of good for society, his company as part of the Dentsu fold, the family culture he cultivates, why he didn’t push into Asia and the opportunity for Dentsu to grow the business.
THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
Mitchell on becoming part of the global Dentsu culture, why this is the best time Australia has ever seen, how Australian agencies can make the most of now.
THE STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
Mitchell discusses the year the business has had, the year to come, how a potential change of government will affect the industry, the state of the TV market, how Ten’s “having a real go” under Hamish McLennan, the state of the newspaper trade and whether paywalls will work.
AGE AND THE FUTURE
Mitchell on where he finds talent, Stuart Mitchell’s departure from the company, why the service business is like being a gynecologist, whether he will ever officially retire and why age is an asset.
This story first appeared in the weekly edition of Encore available for iPad and Android tablets. Visit encore.com.au for a preview of the app or click below to download.
