Harold Mitchell to be recognised as world advertising and media leader by RMIT University
Harold Mitchell AO will be presented with an Honorary Doctorate – Doctor of Business Honoris Causa, by RMIT University tomorrow at RMIT’s Graduation Ceremony at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne’s Docklands.
Mitchell has a significant record of business and community achievement. He is the executive chairman of the Mitchell Communication Group and has been since 1976.
Mitchell’s is Australia’s largest independent communications group and Harold Mitchell is regarded as Australia’s most influential media planner and buyer.
In 1976, Mitchell pioneered the idea of an independent media agency when he opened his own business, Mitchell & Partners.
Mitchell enrolled in RMIT’s first advertising course in 1961 and is now a leader in his profession.
RMIT University Vice Chancellor, Professor Margaret Gardner, said Mitchell also gives generously of his time to RMIT and its students: “Mr Mitchell is particularly helpful to students in RMIT’s applied communications and advertising programs. He is an outstanding business leader and entrepreneur in the advertising and media industries.”
Mitchell said that RMIT University showed him how to make the most of his capabilities and the world around him: “It’s been an amazing journey for me, from night school at RMIT to head of the most powerful private advertising company in the southern hemisphere and one of the three leaders in media advertising in the world. I truly appreciate this award from RMIT that recognises my knowledge and passion for advertising and media.”
Mitchell has also been involved in significant community and philanthropic endeavours. He established the Harold Mitchell Foundation in 2000 to distribute funds to causes related to health and the arts.
1 Comment
Gee, I know it’s important to have someone ticking the boxes on the media charts, but does running a company that makes a lot of money ticking those boxes really make you an advertising great? I don’t want to be negative, but how many great ads has Mitchell written, how many breakthrough strategies has he developed? If they take the word advertising off the award and leave it at media, fine, but as it is, well, I have my doubts.