FT Adviser colleagues past and present have paid tribute to our former news editor Phil Halliday, who died on December 13 after a short illness.
Phil led the newsdesk between late 2001 and 2009, after working for several years on FT.com.
He was the one who hired me to the position of investment editor on the joint newsdesk back in 2002; during the interview, he also tried to recruit me to be a cox in a rowing team.
This highlighted his two passions: rowing and journalism. Phil coached the Somerville rowing team to sporting glory on many occasions, as well as leading Financial Adviser to success at various industry awards.
Phil knew how to captain a team and coach rookie journalists, encouraging us to “hit the phones” and “hit the pavement” to get exclusives, rather than relying on press releases.
His good humour and quick wit shone through and even on stressful press days he could be relied on to lift the team’s spirits.
Tributes
Since his passing, PRs, financial services professionals and past editors and colleagues from Financial Adviser — the print title that preceded FT Adviser — have sent their tributes in.
PR and marketing specialist Paul Wynne wrote: “I’m so sorry to hear this news. My condolences to his family, friends and co-workers. He was indeed a genuinely lovely and kind person.”
Former Financial Adviser news reporter Jason Corcoran, who is now an author and freelance based in Ireland, said: “Phil was terrific fun, kind and a thoughtful person. Rest in peace.”
The Daily Mail’s Jeff Prestridge wrote: “My condolences. A life taken too quickly. RIP Phil.”
He was a fine news editor who always remained calm and good humoured under pressure
Kevin O’Donnell, editor of Financial Planning Today, said: “I recruited Phil to work as news editor for Financial Adviser (the print version of FTAdviser.com) and was glad I did.
“He was a great asset: intelligent, well organised and diligent, a first-rate journalist. He was a fine news editor who always remained calm and good humoured under pressure and enjoyed socialising with his team of journalists at many events.
“He became very well-liked by those who worked with him, inside and outside the FT Group.”
O’Donnell added: “I’m very saddened to hear of his passing – we’ve lost a first rate journalist with a passion for the written word and a deep knowledge of finance. My deepest sympathies to his family and many friends.”
Emma-Ann Hughes, former editor of FT Adviser and current editor of Insurance Post, said: “Phil’s talent for recruiting top-class reporters — including Holly Thomas, James Coney, Simoney Kyriakou, and myself — was unmatched.
“His mastery of the newsdesk diary was remarkable. Through meticulous planning, he routinely enabled the team to attend as many as five evening events in a single night.
“On top of that, he was hugely popular with PRs, earning their trust and co-operation.”
Hal Austin, former editor of Financial Adviser, said: “Phil had a remarkable relationship with key public relations people, which often led to brilliant stories, explanations of the complexities of new investment products and in turn, got tremendous loyalty from his team of reporters.
“He has left us too soon.”
Funeral details
Phil leaves behind a wife, Anna, and two daughters. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.
The funeral will be held on Thursday January 8, at 12pm at
Christ Church, Surbiton Hill, KT5 8JJ.
Donations can be made through his memorial page to the Blue Ribbon Foundation, which aims to raise awareness of male health issues, and to the Princess Alice Hospice.