Hylton John Mackley (Selwyn, 1955-59) passed away peacefully at home in Melbourne on 7 January 2026, aged 84 years. Hylton is survived by his wife Eileen MAckley AM and sons Justin (Averill, 1982-86) and Adam (Selwyn 1985-86). 

Hylton was a Selwyn House Prefect in 1959, Secretary of the Debating Society and played cricket (1B XI) and rugby (2B XV) during his time at King's College. He maintained a close connection to King's and was awarded an Honours Tie in 2018. Hylton and Eileen supported a Senior Design Scholarship from 2005 and in 2022 they created the Mackley Family Scholarship to support outstanding students in performing arts. Hylton leaves a generous legacy for future students. 

Hylton is recognised as a pioneer and leader in Australasian advertising, whose influence stretched across agencies, boardrooms and creative culture on both sides of the Tasman for more than 50 years.

Hylton was one of the founders of advertising agency Colenso in 1969. By the time it merged with Clemenger Group in 1987, Colenso was the largest marketing communications agency in the NZ. Mackley held the role of finance director of Clemenger Group until 2011. He then became a non-executive director of the company and later, chairman emeritus of Clemenger Group New Zealand. 

Hylton was also honorary treasurer of the Victorian Artists Society (FVAS) in Australia. A prestigious award and annual exhibition is hosted in his name, showcasing the best artistic talent in painting and sculpture.

 He was a director of the Barnett Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation involved in the affordable housing sector. He was highly regarded in the community for his fundraising efforts and financial acumen.

Hylton received an Order of Australia (AM) in 2018 for his contribution to the advertising industry and the arts. 

Virtus Pollet