Katie Phillips, the British advertising expert, podcast host and founder of public relations firm KPPR, has died at the age of 46.
Phillips died on Wednesday after spending a few weeks in the hospital, after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer nearly three years ago, in February 2022. The illness prompted Phillips to create the Talking With Cancer podcast. The final episode aired this summer.
She began her career in the early 2000s as part of Pleasance's press office at the Edinburgh Fringe, then went on to work for Sarah Mitchell Partnership, working on campaigns for The Reduced Shakespeare Company, The Vagina Monologues and Bill Bryson's Notes From a Small Island. , as well as Ricky Gervais, The Jonathan Ross Show, Dara O' Brian and Alan Carr.
She then worked in a public relations office, before founding her own entertainment publicity agency, Katie Phillips Public Relations, in 2011 (now KPPR). During her time running KPPR, she represented a number of comedy, television and entertainment personalities, including at one point Ricky Gervais and Omid Jalili. The company's current clients include the hit BBC programme Do I have news for you?.
“We will forever be amazed by the positive and forward-thinking way in which Katie decided to deal with her illness,” Phillips' colleagues at KPPR said today. “As so many people have said about Katie, she was the bravest person we knew. She was, quite simply, an amazing publicist and boss. Resolute and uncompromising, While being kind, funny and sympathetic at all times.
She has left a lasting impact on the comedy and entertainment industry, and everyone who has worked closely with her for many years. It is a very sad day for us here at KPPR, but her name and legacy will be the beating heart of everything we continue to do. We have learned from the best and we are very proud of it. All our thoughts are with her husband Dink, stepdaughter Alara, family and loved ones at this very difficult time. She will be greatly missed by everyone.”
