Dr Paul Priday – creative director, thinker, diversity advocate – dies aged 71
Dr Paul Priday, co-founder of Begg Dow Priday and then national creative director of J. Walter Thompson who later embedded himself in agencies to explore gender roles in adland, has died aged 71.
Paul Priday: “a genuine advertising gentleman”.
Dr Priday charted an awarded creative career through a number of agencies including Massius Wynne Williams, Begg Dow Priday with Austin Begg and Rob Dow and then McSpedden Carey with Bani McSpedden and Peter Carey. He was national creative director of JWT after BDP was bought by JWT.
He also contributed to the industry as chair of AWARD and continued to mentor younger creatives throughout his career.
Very sad to hear this news. I had the pleasure of working with Paul at both a business and university context – and a gentle intelligent soul he was. Hoping his family are ok.
I met Paul fairly recently when he was studying for his doctorate and lecturing on advertising at Sydney Uni. What a lovely man – so smart, so humble, a very gentle, intellectually curious person. So sad for his family.
My wife Maggie Wilkins ran a small Marketing Research company (Wilkins Research) herself. She had met Paul briefly, but there was no professional association. Maggie is currently being treated for cancer of the ovary at the St. Leonards Clinic where she did run into Paul occasionaly. I myself am a retired Gynaecologist and should be very interested the type of the “rare” cancer from which claimed Paul’s Life.
I do hope that my enquiry does not cause offence.
My sincere condolences to Paul’s family.
Herbie Sternberg
What a remarkably talented man who was a great person to bounce ideas off and simplify issues. I first worked with Paul at Begg Dow Priday in the early 80’s and kept up a friendship ever since. He was always so interested in the direction other people’s careers were taking them. He proved you don’t have to shout to get heard and build respect.
I worked with Paul a lot and in later years, when both of us were out of the industry, relished his friendship. Smart but not smart-arsed, kind, a gentleman in every way, he’ll be missed by countless people. On the plus side, heaven just became a nicer place.
Paul will be dearly missed. Thank you Mumbrella for this tribute to Paul’s contributions to the Australian advertising and marketing industry. Great to see his work recognised in this forum.
Love to Polly and Margot.
The advertising industry, and all those lucky enough to have known this wonderful man, have lost one of the truly good ones. Paul’s championing of diversity wasn’t a recent interest; Sarah Barclay, Mara Marich and I, amongst others, were three feisty, green AWARD School graduates whose long creative careers were encouraged, nurtured and launched by Paul in an era where blokeiness reigned supreme. He was a keenly intelligent, dry-witted, warm and generous man of great integrity; I am so gutted that he is gone, but forever grateful and proud that he helped polish this ‘Rough’ (as he used to call me) and gave me the chance to pursue a career I loved. Peace and love to Paul, and my deepest condolences to Margot, Polly and family.
Beautiful words, Caz. We were so very lucky he took us all under his wing.
I was new to Melbourne when Paul took me to the first session of the Centenary Test at the MCG. We stayed for the entire match: and stayed friends. He was truly gracious, and will remain so in my memory.
I met Paul when he came down to McCann Delhi for his research’Obsession with Brilliance: Masculinities and Creativity In Transnational Advertising Agencies’. I had the pleasure to assist him in his research in India; never realised when this academic interaction developed into a deep friendship . I fondly remember his insightful comments and sharp observations about gender discrimination as we would visit the historical Jama Masjeed of Delhi or eat at famous local kebab eateries . Paul’s creative mind marvelled at the intricate Mughal architecture. We had planned that post his theses he would again make a trip to India and we would visit some of these historical wonders like Agra Fort and Taj Mahal.
We used to exchange mails and he had advised me about Australian Universities when I told him about my daughter’s desire to pursue masters in Public health. His last mail was about a month a half back. I never ever thought that I would be writing this comment. In my mind he will always remain as a wonderful friend beyond the seas!
Respect & condolences to Mrs Priday & their daughter
This is very sad news, I had the opportunity of being a visiting lecturer with Paul at the Estonian Business School in Tallinn. During his time at EBS he generously donated his skills and time to educate the next generation of industry leaders in Estonia. The students loved his classes and his unique insights into the industry. I have fond memories of often sharing a drink and a meal with him in the old town at “Kohvik must puudel” after we concluded our classes and chatting about our research interests and our experiences being Aussies in Tallinn. He was a true gentleman and a scholar and will be sadly missed.
Vale, Paul.
A titan of manners and genuine creativity in an oft-seemingly gross world.
May your sentience and kindness accompany you always, wherever you may roam. And may my thanks for your beautiful gentility keep you endlessly warm. You managed to teach me what men could be like.
My love is with your beloved Margot and Polly.
Did I mention your deadly wit? Yes, you’re allowed to continue to make English fun of my Dutch name. And my Dutch, what did you call it?, chest, yes. You dagg.
Speaking of whom, I wish you unmitigated joy, fluting about on your broomstick with John Clarke and Mark Colvin.
Love you all the way into the light.
Thank you, Paul.
Thank you, too, Margot and Polly. I hold you all in my little heart, which grows anew thinking of you.
L – J.