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Mitchells hires O’Neill to bolster NZ media operation

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.”

O’Neill will take immediate responsibility for the group’s media agencies Mitchell & Partners and MPG in New Zealand.

He told Mumbrella that he hoped to bring his experience of working in creative agencies to his company’s dealings with ad agencies.

O’Neill said: “There’s hopefully an opportunity to demonstrate a creative sensibility within the media business.”

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