Andrew Mackinnon

Andrew Mackinnon is a vanguard in futures innovation and entrepreneurship, with a career spanning over twenty-three years in cultural trends, brand experience design, and pioneering non-traditional marketing communications.

His journey in the world of marketing commenced at 19, on the streets of London, where his efforts focused on activating small businesses that lacked the budget for big advertising campaigns. This experience laid the foundation for what would become The Taboo Group a year later. Under Andrew's leadership, TABOO has flourished into one of Australia's most progressive creative agencies, dedicated to defying norms and leveraging cultural insights to make environmental, social, and commercial impacts. It stands today as one of the nation’s early B Corporations.

In 2021, driven by his dedication to understanding human behaviour, Andrew launched SOON Future Studies, a futures think-tank emphasising human insights for the present and future. The following year, he initiated Taboo LABS, a design and innovation unit born from the desire to transform trend foresights into tangible experiences and designs.

Joining him in this venture is his brother James, who brought dynamism and big agency expertise to TABOO, further enriching the business creative and strategic capabilities.

Beyond his role at the helm of the Group, Andrew is known for his innovative projects like Matter House, an 11-storey building catering to creators and powered by food waste, and Ponyfish Island, an iconic bar enveloped by water. These endeavours reflect his commitment to dynamic creativity and environmental sustainability.

Andrew Mackinnon's career is marked by impactful creativity and a forward-thinking approach, making him a true visionary in the realm of marketing and experiential design.