Media measurement icon John Grono retires after nearly five decades of industry service

John Grono, one of Australian media’s most respected research leaders, is stepping away from the industry this week as he turns 70, ending a career that helped shape the foundations of modern audience measurement.

Grono’s contributions span every major media sector, from introducing TV people meters to launching OMD in Australia, founding research consultancy GAP, and serving on virtually every major industry technical committee. He is widely recognised as having worked on more joint industry projects than anyone in Australia.

Inducted into the MFA Hall of Fame in 2014, Grono’s career began in 1977 at ACNielsen. He later helped bring overnight TV ratings to client PCs through Media Advisor, joined Clemenger BBDO in the late '90s, and played a key role in forming OMD Australia in 2000.

In 2002, he established GAP Research with the MFA as its founding client. Since then, he has been a regular fixture across advisory groups for OzTAM, IAB Australia, CRA, the Outdoor Media Association and more, lending his expertise to projects like MOVE and CineTAM.

"John Grono is the ultimate Changer and an unwavering force in advancing our industry’s research capabilities," Sophie Madden, CEO of the Media Federation of Australia, said. "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.”

Others echoed those sentiments, including former OMG CEO Peter Horgan, IAB Australia CEO Gai Le Roy, Atomic 212 chairman Barry O’Brien, and Nielsen Pacific MD Monique Perry.

"John’s been the go-to for guidance on media measurement," Perry said. "You have been an enduring influence on my career and a dear friend in my life."

Horgan said having worked with Grono as both an agency and industry colleague for nearly 30 years, he has been constantly humbled by his passion for the craft.

"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.”

Grono departs as one of the rare figures who leaves behind not just a legacy of ideas, but of infrastructure, education, and long-term trust across an ever-evolving media landscape.