Robert Morgan, a towering figure in the Australasian advertising industry, is stepping down from his role as Executive Chairman of Clemenger Group after an extraordinary 46-year tenure. Joining Clemenger BBDO in 1979, Morgan became Executive Chairman in 1998, overseeing the groupโs expansion into a network of over 50 companies with a turnover of $1.5 billion and 1,600 employees.
Under his leadership, Clemenger Group navigated significant milestones, including Omnicomโs $150 million takeover in 2011, which increased Omnicomโs stake in the company from 46.7% to 73.7%. Morgan also championed employee ownership, a practice that allowed more than 500 staff members to hold shares in the company, fostering a culture of shared success.
Beyond Clemenger, Morgan has held influential positions as a Director at BBDO Worldwide and the QBE Sydney Swans, and as Chairman of the Australia Council for the Arts. His contributions to the advertising industry were recognized in 2014 when he was inducted into the AdNews Advertising Hall of Fame.
As Morgan bids farewell to Clemenger, his legacy as a visionary leader and advocate for creative excellence continues to inspire the industry.