David Ogilvy’s century celebrated in 1960’s style
June, 24 – Ogilvy Australia companies revisited the golden age of advertising and communications yesterday, with a series of events commemorating the 100th birthday of founder, David Ogilvy.
Following publication of two full page advertisements in The Australian and The Australian Financial Review that reminded the industry of David Ogilvy’s legacy and the current relevance of his founding principles, Ogilvy Australia staff across the country joined colleagues from around the world in a range of celebrations.
Ogilvy offices were transformed to resemble the Madison Ave of 1961, revisiting David Ogilvy’s early industry years and channelling the personality traits of the infamous practitioner. Traditional bagel stands served breakfast on arrival to work with bell boys on lift service and a scavenger hunt searching for Ogilvy’s pipe was held, prompted by clues from Ogilvy himself.
The celebrations culminated in cocktail events in both Sydney and Melbourne with martinis and scotch served on arrival and the melodies of 1960s jazz entertaining staff throughout the night.
“The celebrations staged across the country this week have demonstrated the passion and creativity that still exists amongst our fellow practitioners and fun that can be had when we remember where we started,” Moult said.
“It helps staff further engage with the philosophy and approach of our founder.”
The anniversary celebrations were initiated and coordinated by Ogilvy’s Young Turks, members of the internal Young Turks training, mentoring and development program introduced by Moult earlier this year.
Ogilvy Group companies within Australia include Ogilvy & Mather, Ogilvy PR Australia, OgilvyOne, and Ogilvy Group Melbourne. They are part of STW Group, Australia’s leading marketing content and communications services group.
Ogilvy at 100 – Australia Celebrates
June, 23 – On the day its global founder would have turned 100, Ogilvy Australia companies are today reminding the industry that the early principles of advertising and communications are still as relevant as they were 50 years ago.
The companies have joined forces to run full-page advertisements in both today’s edition of The Australian and The Australian Financial Review to remind the industry of the pedigree of Ogilvy himself and to think about what his views would be if he were operating in today’s industry.
Ogilvy Australia’s Executive Chairman, Tom Moult, explained: “David Ogilvy’s principles, approach to his work and his clients is as relevant today as it was when he was conquering Madison Avenue.”
“Although the industry and the way we practice have changed dramatically, David Ogilvy would have embraced all aspects of digital marketing and the opportunities it presents to brands, organisations and the industry.
“To work at a company founded by David Ogilvy is inspiration in itself. It’s that kind of legacy that pushes you to explore ideas and ways of thinking, and drives you to new and better things. We wanted to pay our respects to the great man, but also to celebrate just what made him such a pioneer in this industry and how that can inspire people today,” he added.
Anniversary celebrations will be in held in Ogilvy offices around the country with themed parties, competitions and events throughout the day to further engage all staff with the philosophy and approach of their founder.
One of the advertising industry’s most famous and lauded figures, David Ogilvy began his business career as a door-to-door salesman of Aga cookers in Scotland. He founded his agency in 1948 with no clients and a staff of two, building it into an empire that was eventually acquired by WPP in 1989. His books Ogilvy on Advertising and Confessions of an Advertising Man are among the most influential and widely-read publications concerning the industry. His famous campaigns for Schweppes, Guinness, Rolls-Royce, among others, remain highly influential, and his legacy led him to be widely known as “The Father of Advertising”, as well as gaining him the honour of a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
The anniversary celebrations in Australia were initiated and coordinated by Ogilvy’s Young Turks, members of the internal Young Turks training, mentoring and development program introduced by Moult earlier this year.
Ogilvy Group companies within Australia include Ogilvy & Mather, Ogilvy PR Australia, OgilvyOne, and Ogilvy Group Melbourne. They are part of STW Group, Australia’s leading marketing content and communications services group.
