The directors of live events and communications agency TFI Lodestar have announced the passing of co-founder Phil Watton, who died on Thursday 13 June following a short illness.
A passionate and ambitious leader, Watton's vision for a new model live events agency inspired him to co-found Lodestar with business partner Jason Worsley in 2005 and oversee its merger with TFI Group in 2021.
A spokesperson said: “At the heart of Phil’s vision for TFI Lodestar lay a company driven by high production values, ethical business dealings, sustainable practice and a culture of kindness. That he achieved all this is testament to his qualities as a person: tenacity, decency and optimism. He will be missed. The world has lost one of the good guys.
“Phil’s vision for the company becomes part of his legacy, one that the directors are committed to delivering. The grief that we feel when we reflect that Phil won’t be around to see us build on TFI Lodestar’s recent successes is mixed with a determination to achieve those successes. That spirit of determination is also part of Phil’s legacy.”
Jason Worsley, co-founder, TFI Lodestar said: “Phil has been my friend and closest collaborator for nearly 30 years. We built an agency together, experiencing all the highs and lows that entails, and in recent years we have seen all the hard work pay off. I’m glad Phil saw the successes and knew that more good things lay ahead. His energy and passion will always be with us, and his legacy will continue.”
Kumar Kumar, chief financial officer at TFI Lodestar, said: “Phil’s passing is a moment of profound sadness and reflection for us all, in an agency he co-founded and loved passionately. Our strength as a brand and as a business has been a success story that we have written together; there are still more chapters to write, and we are grateful to Phil that his legacy includes a blueprint for how that story will unfold.”
Gema Rodriguez, managing director, TFI Lodestar said: “Phil’s vision and direction set TFI Lodestar on the path it is on today, as a successful, growing, award-winning industry leader. We shared so many plans, and the journey we were on together will continue. Along with everyone who knew him, I will miss his friendship, insight, wisdom and courage.”
