Claudia Macdonald starts her next chapter after 29 incredible years

AUCKLAND, Today: Claudia Macdonald is closing an extraordinary chapter, leaving Mango Communications Aotearoa after 29 years to travel, unwind, and spend time with loved ones.

Starting her journey as a one-woman PR team within DDB Group, Claudia launched Beyond PR, which evolved into Mango Communications in 2000. Today, it’s one of New Zealand’s most-awarded PR agencies, representing high-profile clients like McDonald’s, Samsung, Nestlé, and Booking.com.

Her decision to step back has been years in the making. “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,” says Macdonald.

“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. I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved and where the agency is today,” she reflects.

“I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved and where the agency is today.” – Claudia Macdonald

She’s particularly proud of fostering wāhine leadership in an industry once dominated by men. “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’s career began in Dunedin as a journalist. Despite the industry’s challenges, her passion remains steadfast. “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,” she says.

Beyond her remarkable contributions to Mango, Claudia served five years on the Communications Council PREScom committee and as a PRINZ board member from 2019 to 2023. In 2021, she received a PRINZ Lifetime Membership, celebrating her more than 30 years of service.

Mango Managing Director Sean Brown says, “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 wherever the wind or stars take her.”

Under Claudia’s leadership, Mango earned countless accolades, including Cannes Lions, two PRINZ Supreme Awards, and last year’s Grand Prix at the Pressie Awards. Her legacy is nothing short of extraordinary.