Everingham to lead Marketforce

The founder of Perth-based lobbying firm GRA Everingham has been named the next chief executive of Marketforce, succeeding John Driscoll, who has announced his retirement today.

Paul Everingham left GRA in December last year to go on a sabbatical, but will return to work to take up the helm at Marketforce, WA's second largest advertising agency, when Mr Driscoll steps down in September.

He will also be chief executive of the WA business of OMD, Australia’s largest media planning and buying group.

GRA, Marketforce and OMD are all part of the Clemenger Group.

“After a sabbatical, Paul is coming back to run our Marketforce group in Perth,” Marketforce said in a statement.

“He is an extraordinarily creative, entrepreneurial and energetic individual with highly developed business networks around Australia.”

Mr Everingham is a former executive director and chief executive of the WA Liberal Party, and also previously served as a senior executive at energy giant Chevron.

Clemenger chairman Robert Morgan paid tribute to Mr Driscoll and his tenure at Marketforce.

“John has done a superb job leading Marketforce for the last 13 years,” Mr Morgan said.

“He is a great advertising leader, as well as a highly principled and professional executive.

“I would like to thank John for a magnificent career with Marketforce and wish him well in the next phase of his career.”