John Grono will retire this week, marking the end of a career in Australian media and advertising research spanning nearly five decades, and coinciding with his 70th birthday.
Grono’s career has included roles in the introduction of TV people meters, the launch of OMD in Australia, and the development of audience measurement tools used across the industry.
He was inducted into the MFA Hall of Fame in 2014, and worked on more joint industry projects than any other individual in Australia and has held positions across all media sectors.
Grono’s career began as a retail panel statistician at ACNielsen in 1977, Grono later became part of the team that introduced TV people meters to Australia in 1991. He led the development of Media Advisor, the first system globally to deliver overnight TV ratings to PCs, and helped establish OMD Australia in 2000.
In 2002, he founded GAP Research, with the MFA as its first client. Over the years, Grono has served on numerous cross-industry committees, including the OzTAM Technical Advisory Committee, the IAB Australia Measurement Council, and the Outdoor Media Association’s MOVE project.
His work has also contributed to initiatives such as CineTAM for Val Morgan and enhancements to Roy Morgan’s Single Source.
Senior leaders across the industry paid tribute to John this week and wished him well in retirement including Sophie Madden, CEO, Media Federation of Australia.
She said: “John Grono is the ultimate Changer and an unwavering force in advancing our industry’s research capabilities. His passion, depth of knowledge and tireless dedication have set a benchmark for integrity, innovation and collaboration.
“It’s no exaggeration to say that John has perhaps contributed more than anyone else to ensuring the strength and evolution of our industry’s research product. We thank him for his extraordinary service and wish him all the very best in his well-earned retirement.”
Peter Horgan, Media Consultant & former CEO, Omnicom Media Group said: “Having worked with John as both an agency and industry colleague for nearly 30 years, I’ve been constantly humbled by his passion for the craft, his deep expertise, and his all-round decency as a truly wonderful human being.
“It was a privilege to announce his induction into the MFA Hall of Fame in 2014. Farewell, old friend – on behalf of a grateful industry, we’re all hoping you enjoy a richly deserved retirement.”
Gai Le Roy, CEO, IAB Australia, said: “The industry is a far better place thanks to John Grono’s incredible expertise and passion. His sharp thinking, deep knowledge, and willingness to challenge the status quo have played a huge role in making the Australian media measurement market one of the most respected in the world.
“But beyond the smarts, John has always been incredibly generous with his time, his ideas, and his support for others. He’s been a mentor to many, including me, and a constant presence in shaping the industry for the better.
“I feel very fortunate to have worked alongside John on so many projects over the last two decades and to have learned so much from him along the way.”
Barry O’Brien, Founder & Chairman, Atomic 212, added: “What an honour to say a few words about John Grono who I have known for over four decades. John is an absolute gentleman, highly caring and an extremely smart media man with a large twist of Research Geek in his portfolio.
“The media industry and our level of research capability in this country is all the better for the media research roles and steering committees John Grono sat on and contributed to over his stellar career. Thank you, John, for a massive contribution to the media industry and the MFA, and your well-deserved MFA Hall of Fame award in 2014.”
Monique Perry, Managing Director, Pacific, Nielsen Audience Measurement, added: “John Grono is a true gentleman, a trusted advisor, and an independent voice in our industry. John’s been the go-to for guidance on media measurement, leaving an extraordinary legacy across our industry, people, and approach to measurement innovation.
“Thank you for your passion, honesty, and solution-focused approach. Your decades of dedication to independent measurement’s vital role in the buying and selling of all media is deeply appreciated. And thank you for being a wonderful teacher, an active listener, and a patient mentor for nearly 30 years. You have been an enduring influence on my career and a dear friend in my life.”
Top image: John Grono and Peter Horgan