Vale Kevin O’Keeffe
Kevin O’Keeffe, affectionately known in the advertising industry as ‘Checker’, passed away peacefully last Friday, April 13, 2018.
Checker’s successful media sales career spanned across press, starting out at WA Newspapers’ afternoon Daily News; radio for 6IX; and television for Channel 7 and the Mining Television Network.
With a wealth of media sales experience behind him, in 1983, Checker fulfilled his ambition and started his own multimedia representation company, OKeeffe Media.
Under Checker’s direction, OKeeffe Media soon grew to become one of Australia’s most highly respected multimedia representation companies, embracing local, national and international media representation, with offices in Perth and Adelaide.
In May 2013, Checker decided to take his well-earned retirement and handed the WA reigns to Licia Salomone who was GM at the time and started with OKeeffe Media in 2005. Today, OKeeffe Media continues to service WA advertising agencies and direct clients with a vast portfolio of local, national and international media options across press, print, radio, television, digital and out of home formats.
Checker O’Keeffe was an advertising sales legend of his time and will be sadly missed by his OKeeffe Media team and advertising industry peers.
3 Comments
This is very sad news for both Michael and I at Campaign Brief. Kevin was the first person to help us launch Campaign Brief in Perth back in 1984. We were about 12 issues into our magazine (which was published every week back then) and we realised we needed a lot of help with our ad sales. Kevin had just started his rep business and he approached us to handle feature sales. We jumped at the chance and it kicked off a great relationship and friendship that lasted over a decade. To be honest, Campaign Brief might not have lasted the first two years if it hadn’t been for his hard work. With a bit of momentum and much needed funds behind us, that Kevin drummed up, we launched Campaign Brief Australia nationally out of Sydney in 1987. Kevin was great to work with, always had a great story, was a fountain of news and gossip, and was a great drinking companion. RIP Checker x
How sad. I worked with Kevin quite a lot back in the day. He was always such a lovely and passionate guy. Deepest condolences to Kevin’s family. RIP big guy.
So sad but so, so many great memories. I learnt so much from you Kev and you always made the time and as Kim said your passion was inspiring. The stories I always looked forward to hearing especially about your adventures with my Dad and Uncle Rod growing up in the ‘50’s on Anzac Road. Sincere Condolences to the O’Keefe family. Thanks Kev, it was a pleasure RIP x