Events and communications agency TFI Lodestar has announced the passing of co-founder, Phil Watton, who died on Thursday 13 June following a short illness.

In a statement, the agency described Phil Watton as a passionate and ambitious leader, whose 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.

“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.”

His vision for the company becomes part of his legacy, one that the directors are committed to delivering.

Jason Worsley, co-founder, TFI Lodestar said: “Phil has been my friend and closest collaborator for nearly thirty 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, 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, MD, 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.