Katie Phillips, UK publicist, podcaster and founder of PR firm KPPR, has died aged 46.
Phillips passed away Wednesday after some weeks spent back in hospital, following her thyroid cancer diagnosis nearly three years ago, in February 2022. The illness prompted Phillips to set up podcast Talking With Cancer. The last episode aired over this summer.
Starting her career in the early 2000s as part of the Pleasance press office at the Edinburgh Fringe, she went on to work for The Sarah Mitchell Partnership, working on campaigns for The Reduced Shakespeare Company, The Vagina Monologues, Bill Bryson’s Notes From a Small Island, as well as Ricky Gervais, The Jonathan Ross Show, Dara O Briain and Alan Carr.
She then worked at The PR Office, before founding her own entertainment publicity agency, Katie Phillips PR, in 2011 (now KPPR). During her time running KPPR, she represented a number of comedy, TV and entertainment personalities, including at one stage Ricky Gervais and Omid Djalili. The company’s current clients include hit BBC show Have I Got News For You.
Phillips’ colleagues at KPPR said today: “We will forever be astounded by the consistently positive and forward-thinking way that Katie decided to approach her illness. As so many people have already said about Katie, she was the bravest person we knew. She was, quite simply, a brilliant publicist and boss. Assertive and uncompromising, whilst at all times kind, funny and empathetic.
“She has left a lasting impact on the comedy and entertainment industry, and all who worked with her closely for so 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 that we continue to do. We learnt from the best and we are so very proud of her. All of our thoughts are with her husband Dinc, step-daughter Alara, family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. She will be so greatly missed by all.”
