Vale legendary Ad Man Jim O’Mahony ~ a legend at Lion Nathan, a legend at Saatchi & Saatchi

The ad industry in many parts of the world, including the Asia-Pacific region, will be saddened to hear of the passing of Jim O’Mahony, who died yesterday at his amazing home in Roujan, France, with his wife Sandy by his side. O’Mahony was enormously loved by all who knew him, a visionary leader whose remarkable career bridged the worlds of consumer brands and creative advertising, leaving an indelible mark on both.

Rising through the ranks at Lion Nathan, O’Mahony, born in Birmingham of Irish descent, served in key executive roles, including managing director of Toohey’s and overseeing the company’s operations in China and across Asia. His deep understanding of brand-building in the competitive beer industry honed his strategic acumen and appreciation for the power of bold marketing.

In 2002, O’Mahony made a bold leap into advertising, joining Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney as chief executive officer. Luring David ‘Nobby’ Nobay from Bozell New York as ECD, the agency immediately experienced a creative and commercial revival. He secured major new business wins—including Westpac and renewed momentum with longstanding clients like Toyota—and instilled a culture focused on big ideas that delivered real results.

The partnership between Nobby’s fearless creative vision and O’Mahony’s strategic business acumen created a culture that embodied Saatchi & Saatchi’s mantra: Nothing is Impossible. Iconic campaigns emerged, blending emotional storytelling with commercial impact, such as Toyota ‘Donkey’, Toyota Camry ‘Knives’, Foxtel ‘Heavy Head’ and Toohey’s New ‘Catapault’.

Saatchi Sydney’s resurgence during their tenure resulted in three Campaign Brief Agency of the Year titles in a row ~ 2003, 2004 and 2005. And in 2010 Saatchi & Saatchi, Sydney was named CB Agency of the Decade.

O’Mahony’s talents quickly propelled him on to the global stage at Saatchi & Saatchi, becoming number 2 in the network, based in New York. He took on expanding regional responsibilities, serving as CEO for Asia, Australasia, and South America, and later for emerging markets including China, Russia, India, and Brazil (CRIB). His client-side perspective proved invaluable in driving growth, fostering innovation, and championing the agency’s ‘Nothing is Impossible’ ethos worldwide.

O’Mahony exemplified that rare blend of business sharpness and passion for creativity. He mentored many, inspired fearless thinking, and helped shape iconic work that connected with consumers on an emotional level. His legacy lives on in the agencies he strengthened, the brands he elevated, and the people fortunate enough to have worked alongside him.

O’Mahony is survived by his wife Sandy Thompson, his daughters Kate and Sophie, and step children Riley and Brin.

David ‘Nobby’ Nobay, pictured above with O’Mahony in LA, sent CB this tribute:

Jimmy is up there at The Gates by now. Arguing with the door staff about the no dogs policy. Whilst looking for a bar with Fox sports on for the Bledisloe Cup. I’m glad he’s moved on.

If ever a candle burnt bright and short, it was our Jimmy. More a Molotov cocktail than a candle, if we’re honest. His heart was too big for his small chest. His brain too big for his frowning skull. The most genuinely mercurial brain I’ve ever come across. The PolyMath on Meth. Spiritual and violent in the same minute. Generous and selfish. Caring and cruel.

Sandy saddled that wild horse when no one thought it possible. But he was a wild horse til the end. I smile when I think of that crazy bastard. I loved him like he was my big brother. And I always knew he loved me too. Which felt special. Because he loved few and loathed fools. And he loved Sandy more deeply than all of us. X

Former Saatchi & Saatchi CEO Simone Bartley, sent CB this tribute:

Jim was one of the rare ones. You always knew when he was around because his presence brought warmth, gravity, and a sense of reassurance. He believed deeply in the people around him and showed up for them.

He had my back and played a profound role in my journey and in shaping the success of Saatchi & Saatchi, and I will always be grateful for his confidence in me and his unwavering support.

Former Saatchi & Saatchi worldwide chief creative officer Bob Isherwood emailed this to CB from his boat moored at the Spit, having completed an incredible around-half-the-world solo voyage:

Client, business partner, advisor, closest friend but if crossed the scariest person I have known.
You are alive in my heart Jimmy, we’ll sail the seas together.

Former Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney senior creative Pete Buckley sent us this:

I worked with Jim at Saatchis Sydney. In fact there was three Jims:

1: Singing Jim
2: Fighting Jim
3: Sleeping Jim.

On a night out on the cans with Jim you would get all three. Not necessarily in that order.

Jim was also fond of eating bananas.

On my second day in the agency he stormed into my office & threatened me with a banana. My old partner Shaun Branigan and I had joined different parts of the Saatchis Empire and had the chance to bring in some new business from our previous agency. Unfortunately were unable to share any details with Jim for a month or two. He hit the roof and produced a banana like a gun pointing at me ranting and raving.

He was one tough bastard. I loved him because he always stood up for the work and held everyone including clients accountable. Jim would always back you. Together with Nobby they were an unbelievable partnership that took the agency to great heights.

Every now again when I’m buying bananas I think of him.

RIP Jim O’Mahony.

Former BWM chief creative officer Rob Belgiovane, pictured below with O’Mahony, sent in this tribute:

Vale Jimmy
So sad to see you go mate.
Will miss your fun and crazy energy.
Your fear of no one and nothing.
Your wonderful hospitality with Sandy in France and Bali and Venice Beach.
Your fabulous food fights, sometimes/often in totally inappropriate venues.
But mostly I’m going to miss just shooting the shit over a vino or 2 in your beautiful garden and the sage advice you gave Dante when he turned 21.
Heaven won’t know what hit it.
Love
Shezz, Dante, Jess and me