Shocked now that the Australian media mogul dies after complications from knee surgery
- The Australian media mogul has died
- Sources said this was due to surgical complications
Australian media mogul Harold Mitchell has died at the age of 81.
Mitchell died on Saturday, reportedly after complications from knee surgery.
The 81-year-old was the founder of Mitchell and Partners – Australia's largest media and communications group.
His partner was left 'in shock' by Mr Mitchell's death Herald Sun reported.
He founded his company almost half a century ago, in 1976, and it would have a huge impact on the Australian advertising world.
Harold Mitchell (left) and his partner arrive at Crown Casino's New Year's Eve party at Crown Palladium on December 31, 2015 in Melbourne
The company name was changed to Mitchell Communications Group and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange before being sold to London-based Aegis Media for $363 million.
Mr. Mitchell was executive chairman of Aegis Media Pacific before it was sold to Japanese communications company Dentsu in 2013.
Seven party leaders Kerry Stokes were among those who paid tribute to Mr Mitchell on Sunday.
“Harold was a visionary and leader in the media industry for decades,” he said.
“He will also be remembered as a great philanthropist and supporter of the arts and sports.
“Harold was a doyen of the industry and a great friend during the forty years we knew each other.”
The late Harold Mitchell is pictured in Melbourne on Thursday, February 15, 2007
Mr Stokes added that his friend 'had a great sense of humor and was a game changer in the way the media made money.
“I enjoyed his company, and he will be missed by all of us.”
In 2000, he founded the Harold Mitchell Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars for more than 100 organizations working in healthcare, education and the arts.
Mr Mitchell was named Victoria's Australian of the Year in 2013 for using his “wealth, knowledge and interests to support and promote many causes close to his heart”.
Advertising veteran Barry O'Brien said Mr Mitchell was a mentor to him and also helped many other people.
“He was tough, incredibly generous, an absolute powerhouse,” the Atomic212 chairman told the newspaper Australian Financial Statement.
'I learned a lot from him. Not only in what he did in the media, but also in the charities and the various organizations he represented. He helped many, launched many careers.”
Seven West Media chief James Warburton said Mitchell was a “fierce, strong competitor” and “a true legend of the Australian media and advertising industry”.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Harold's family at this very sad time,” he said.
Mr Mitchell has served on the boards of many organizations over the years, including Art Exhibitions Australia, the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
For many years he wrote an advertising column for the Sydney Morning Herald, which was highly respected and often very funny.
Harold Mitchell, whose death has just been announced, is pictured in Melbourne on October 24, 2019
Mr Mitchell overcame both alcoholism and obesity, losing 70 kilos before his 70th birthday and writing about it in his newspaper column.
He also wrote with great humor about the time in New York when he ended up paying the equivalent of $714 dollars for a haircut that made him look “like a punk rocker.”
“I could have gotten a haircut around the corner for ten dollars like the concierge recommended, but no, I knew better,” he admitted.
Mr Mitchell is survived by his two children and his partner.