Vale Paul Nelson. A brilliant mind and human

The passing of Paul Nelson has been deeply felt by his family, friends, and the many colleagues who became both. For more than two decades, Paul was a central figure at Marketforce, helping to guide the business through periods of growth, change and challenge, always with his signature mix of intelligence, humour, and heart.

Paul joined Marketforce in the late 1980s, during what Howard Read once described as “a period of resetting its operations.” Paul’s own description was far more colourful, but whatever the label, he brought clarity as he approached complex challenges with sharp intellect, calm resolve, and a disarming sense of humour that lifted the intensity from any room.

As CFO, he was instrumental in shaping the agency’s future—from playing a leadership role in MF’s dominance of the State Government’s master media contracts in the 90s and 00s, to delivering on cutting-edge innovations like one of the first electronic jobs boards in Australia. When the agency faced a potential collapse due to the financial woes of an overseas parent company, it was Paul who led the charge on a management buyout that saved the business. Later, he helped steer the agency into the Clemenger BBDO fold, recognising the need to adapt in a rapidly changing industry.

But Paul wasn’t just across the numbers—he was across the people. He understood that relationships were everything. The friendships forged on the agency’s Research balcony—often with his wife Dee (pictured below) and daughter Kylie by his side—created a culture of camaraderie that defined the Marketforce of that era. He inspired loyalty not through authority, but through character.

His professional integrity earned him the respect of top financial and legal advisors, but it was his empathy, loyalty and larrikin spirit that made him unforgettable. Whether it was hitting it off with a former Prime Minister over a private dinner or cutting deals with a biro and a beer coaster, Paul left his mark in ways that went well beyond spreadsheets.

As John Driscoll, his longtime business partner and close friend (pictured below), reflected: “Paul had a brilliant mind and an even bigger heart. He called things as he saw them—no spin, no bullshit. But he also knew how to build trust, how to make people feel valued, and how to turn working relationships into lifelong friendships. He was the most principled person I ever worked with—and one of the funniest. I will miss him dearly.”

Paul’s professional rigour and attention to detail also left a strong impression on those he worked with beyond the agency. Greg Meyerowitz, Audit Partner at EY, described Paul as: “A highly intelligent, commercially pragmatic, old-school chartered accountant. He had a deep understanding of accounting, knew his debits from his credits, and knew that to produce accurate and timely information, you had to do the basics—even if it was boring. For all his attributes, one stood out: his professional integrity. He never compromised it. He always called it like it was and never tried to bullshit the facts or the numbers. He was up there with the best Finance Directors WA has produced.”

Among agency leaders, that sentiment was echoed.

Iain Rowe called Paul “the only accountant I worked with throughout my career who could accurately predict month-end profits in real time,” fondly recalling his ability to keep things on track financially with his legendary ‘shoebox’ reserves.

Karen Della Torre reflected on “a professional connection that rapidly turned into a deep and valued friendship with Paul, Dee, and the Nelson family.”

Helen Hammond described Paul’s “incredible empathy and kindness, unshakable loyalty and passion for our business and our people,” and his unique ability to “shout at a person without malice.”

Penny White shared: “Paul’s unconventional approach to management brought laughter, lessons, and a unique sense of workplace camaraderie from the Managing Director to the Maintenance Man and everyone in-between. Whether through unintentional life lessons or surprisingly profound statements after sitting on a stool at the bar in Research for 4 hours, his ability to create a sense of belonging and a tight-knit team culture was a testament to him—and that’s why after 45 years and a shite load of bosses, he is and always will be my ‘Best Boss Ever’ and very dear friend.”

Andrew Tinning, former Marketforce Creative Director (pictured below), shared this reflection: “Paul was one of the main reasons I moved to Perth. At the time, I was disillusioned with the industry—and many of the people in it, especially those at the top. Meeting him to discuss the job at MF was a breath of fresh air. Proof that in this game, you didn’t have to be a wanker to be a mover and shaker.

“Paul was a man of character—fiercely intelligent, deeply humble, and genuinely decent. He didn’t suffer fools, but if you weren’t one, he embraced you like family. While he was a wizard with numbers, he understood and respected the magic of creativity—knowing that without it, there’d be fewer beans for him to count, which would’ve been bull fuckin’ shit!

“In a world that often rewards ego over integrity, Paul stood out as the real deal—a rare blend of brains, heart and humility. He was larger than life, and he left a lasting mark on mine, and on so many others who were lucky enough to know him.”

Paul’s legacy lives on in the friendships he built, the values he lived by, and the deep respect he earned from all who knew him—a father, grandfather, brother, mate, and industry legend who’ll be missed by many.