![](\"https:\/\/static.ftadviser.com\/public\/images\/icons\/pull-quote-orange.svg\")
He was a fine news editor who always remained calm and good humoured under pressure<\/p>\nFT Adviser colleagues past and present have paid tribute to our former news editor Phil Halliday, who died on December 13 after a short illness. <\/p>\n
Phil led the newsdesk between late 2001 and 2009, after working for several years on FT.com. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Phil knew how to captain a team and coach rookie journalists, encouraging us to \u201chit the phones\u201d and \u201chit the pavement\u201d to get exclusives, rather than relying on press releases. <\/p>\n
His good humour and quick wit shone through and even on stressful press days he could be relied on to lift the team\u2019s spirits.<\/p>\n
Tributes <\/p>\n
Since his passing, PRs, financial services professionals and past editors and colleagues from Financial Adviser \u2014 the print title that preceded FT Adviser \u2014 have sent their tributes in.<\/p>\n
PR and marketing specialist Paul Wynne wrote: \u201cI\u2019m so sorry to hear this news. My condolences to his family, friends and co-workers. He was indeed a genuinely lovely and kind person.\u201d<\/p>\n
Former Financial Adviser news reporter Jason Corcoran, who is now an author and freelance based in Ireland, said: \u201cPhil was terrific fun, kind and a thoughtful person. Rest in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Daily Mail\u2019s Jeff Prestridge wrote: \u201cMy condolences. A life taken too quickly. RIP Phil.\u201d<\/p>\n
He was a fine news editor who always remained calm and good humoured under pressure<\/p>\n
Kevin O\u2019Donnell, editor of Financial Planning Today, said: \u201cI recruited Phil to work as news editor for Financial Adviser (the print version of FTAdviser.com) and was glad I did. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe became very well-liked by those who worked with him, inside and outside the FT Group.\u201d<\/p>\n
O\u2019Donnell added: \u201cI\u2019m very saddened to hear of his passing – we\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emma-Ann Hughes, former editor of FT Adviser and current editor of Insurance Post, said: \u201cPhil\u2019s talent for recruiting top-class reporters \u2014 including Holly Thomas, James Coney, Simoney Kyriakou, and myself \u2014 was unmatched. <\/p>\n
\u201cHis 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cOn top of that, he was hugely popular with PRs, earning their trust and co-operation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hal Austin, former editor of Financial Adviser, said: \u201cPhil 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe has left us too soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Funeral details<\/p>\n
Phil leaves behind a wife, Anna, and two daughters. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.<\/p>\n
The funeral will be held on Thursday January 8, at 12pm at
Christ Church, Surbiton Hill, KT5 8JJ.<\/p>\n