Claudia Macdonald to Depart Mango Aotearoa After 29 years

After an incredible 29 years at Mango Communications Aotearoa, Claudia Macdonald will leave the business at Christmas to travel, relax, spend time with her family and see what else comes her way.

Claudia has been with DDB Group for 29 years, initially starting DDB PR as a one-woman-band addition to the advertising agency before launching Beyond PR which then turned into Mango Communications in 2000.

Mango Communications is now one of the largest and most-awarded full-service PR agencies in the country with a stable of top tier and long-standing clients including McDonald’s, Specsavers, Goodman Fielder, Samsung, Ngāti Whātua Õrākei Whai Rawa, Nestlé, Booking.com and American Express.

Claudia says the decision to finish up has been one in motion for the last two years since she handed over the reins of leading the agency to managing director, Sean Brown.

“I’ve been gradually stepping back from running the business, letting the very competent Sean Brown, Chloe Leuschke and Brie Elder run this fantastic agency. I’ve loved being able to also focus on our Group’s diversity and inclusion programme which has just seen over half of the wider agency – more than 100 people – go through Te Ao Māori training," says Claudia.

“I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved and where the agency is today. From being one of a few senior women in the industry, particularly in advertising, to an agency full of proud and smart wāhine is fantastic. I’m so chuffed to have helped build so many careers and proud to see what many Mango alumni have accomplished."

Claudia began her career as a journalist in Dunedin and her love of the media is still as strong today. “The industry is ever-changing and certainly has its challenges, but I’ve loved being a part of it. It’s been bloody hard work at times, but always interesting and always rewarding.”

Claudia has been a well-known figure in the PR profession for decades, having served on the Communications Council PREScom committee for five years and as a board member of PRINZ from 2019 to 2023. In 2021, Claudia was awarded a Lifetime Membership from PRINZ in recognition of her significant service for more than 30 years.

Throughout her tenure, Mango has been awarded countless local and international awards including multiple Cannes Lions, two PRINZ Supreme Awards and last year’s Grand Prix at the Pressie Awards.

Mango managing director, Sean Brown, says Claudia is a one of a kind. “She is a legend in this agency and in the industry. She deserves so much thanks for all she’s done for the business, for clients, for the industry and the many careers she’s helped build, including mine. She more than deserves to spend some time in Italy and then whenever the wind or stars take her.”