A collection of tributes from some of our friends at the intersection of Phocuswright and WiT
Deep Kalra, co-founder, MakeMyTrip
“Philip was a perfectionist in all aspects of his life and had an everlasting impact on everyone he interacted with. It was my privilege to be closely associated with him for over 20 years and I can’t thank him enough for all the guidance and warmth he gave as a Board member, advisor and friend. My deepest condolences to Carol, Clayelle and Graham and I will always remember Philip fondly, the way I know he’d want it.”
Fritz Demopoulos, co-founder, Qunar
“Nobody loved being the industry leader as much as Philip. He was always in his element giving his annual monologue, and a monologue it truly was! Admirably, Philip always brought his family along. In fact, I met Philip’s daughter before I met him. The first time Philip and I met was equally memorable. I was at one of those quintessential, over-the-top PCW cocktail parties in Florida. Philip of course was holding court, shaking hands, laughing … he looked over, did a double-take and asked, “How’s China?” That’s how we met. And of course, he was always generous with compliments in his own, loud and in-your-face way. Immediately after I moderated a panel at WIT, he asked, “So what are you doing, teaching a masterclass on interviewing?” Well, it was really Philip who was the master … industry leader, entrepreneur and father.”
Timothy Hughes, vice president, corporate development, Agoda
“Philip was an entrepreneur, an entertainer, an educator and an executive without peer. He was one of the few constants in my ever-changing career in travel. And while he was one of the industry’s great content creators and facilitators, his number one skill, his mojo, was the ability to create a room and space where networking magic could happen. He created the room where deals got done. I miss him. He made the room buzz. Palpably. Vale Philip.”
Rod Cuthbert, founder, Viator
“Philip and his conference were instrumental in Viator’s success. He saw earlier than others that the tours and activities sector would grow to become an important part of the industry, and gave us a platform from which we could spread that message. Every important partnership we made we made at his conference. Besides that, he gave us crucial advice at times when we were stumbling. Viator’s success is a tribute to him. On a personal level he was a great friend and a good listener; he remembered things we’d discussed years ago, and would always ask about the people in my life. I miss him already.”’
Lorraine Sileo, Phocuswright
“Philip was a brilliant communicator, with a hunger for excellence and a no holds barred attitude, who helped shape many lives in and out of the travel industry. Numerous careers were born from Philip’s vision 25+ years ago to launch PhoCusWright, and many smart business decisions have been made with his guidance during his stellar tenure. Philip taught us by his words and actions to just do the right thing, go with your gut, strive for perfection, and make your move. For those lucky enough to be his friend, Philip generously shared all his joys and passions, so that you, too, could relish in all that was good. He was never one to wallow because there was no time to waste when planning the next big thing, or perhaps just enjoying the wind off the water.”
Timothy O’Neil-Dunne, principal, 777 Partners
“I first met Philip in 1986 at Travelmation, we had a variety of different relationships since then. Philip had great skill in understanding how to bring a degree of showmanship in an astute fashion to the early development of the digital age in Travel. He understood how to speak for this then voiceless part of the larger industry to the investor community.”
Maggie Rauch, research lead, transportation hospitality and services, Deloitte Consumer Industry Center
“Philip was a constant guide during the years I had the honour of programming the conference he had created. I learned quickly that if I asked him for advice, I’d better be ready for an immediate response that would challenge me and help me grow. His commitment to excellence, his servant leadership, and his ability to enjoy the moment while always keeping an eye on what was coming around the bend – he instilled those things in everyone at Phocuswright. A showman who worked even harder when the lights went down. An icon as invested in his many proteges’ success as his own. My mentor, and the mentor of my mentors. He managed to reach deeply into so many lives. I will miss him and toast him and work to make him proud for many years to come.”
Amit Saberwal, CEO & co-founder, RedDoorz
“The industry not only lost a genius but I have lost a true friend and supporter. When I moved on from MakeMyTrip to start RedDoorz he didn’t hesitate for a second to join our board and was a guiding force in building our company bringing in a unique and truly international perspective! RIP Philip Wolf, you would be badly missed and your impact that has impacted hundreds of lives cannot be forgotten. Your legacy lives on in our hearts and minds and I will really miss you.”