Peter Mervyn Harvie

Peter Harvie evolved to become a giant of the Australian advertising and media industry. However his first step on the corporate ladder was modest, but significant. After leaving school Peter was the office boy for fellow Old Brighton Grammarian and publisher, Peter Isaacson’s fledgling Southern Cross newspaper chain. His tasks included dusting furniture, going on messages, and sometimes designing and writing advertisements for customers of the paper. This is what whet Peter’s  interest in the business of advertising.

In 1966 Peter moved to the well known advertising firm John Clemenger Advertising and just three years later was appointed to their board. The company restructured to Clemenger Harvie Pty Ltd and Peter became the Managing Director from 1974 to 1993. By the 1980s Clemenger Harvie had become one of Melbourne’s most successful and well known advertising companies.

When he founded Clemenger Harvie in 1974, Peter’s vision was to build a strong agency on a bedrock

of effective work, fast response and strong client partnerships. This vision has continued to steer the company (now known as Clemenger Harvie Edge) with a strong and stable client base – many of whom joined the agency during Peter’s time at the helm.

One of Clemenger Harvie’s long-held clients was The Triple M Radio network. In 1993 Peter left the advertising agency to become the Managing Director of Triple

M Radio Network (owned by Village Roadshow FM). Peter became a member of the board in June 2000. Soon he advanced to become the Group Managing Director and in 1997 became Executive Chairman of Austereo Group Limited, the largest radio broadcaster outside the USA. Peter led the radio, online and interactive group to become one of Australia’s finest media businesses.

Peter served as a Director of the Austin Hospital   and Mazda Foundation. He is also passionate about restoring old buildings, and the arts.