Phocuswright Founder Philip Wolf Dies At 64
Phocuswright founder Philip Wolf passed away yesterday at the age of 64, following a brief illness.
Philip, a champion of online travel since the late-1980s, launched Phocuswright, the premier source for travel, tourism and hospitality intelligence, in 1994. Countless industry pitches and presentations today include a slide stamped: "Source: Phocuswright."
Architect of the Phocuswright Conference, Philip took the stage one-on-one with the travel industry's elite. His probing perseverance for the truth (and not letting go without real answers) left audiences buzzing.
After decades of analyzing, scrutinizing and opining on strategic change and market trends, he built a brand around his trademark catchphrase: "Strategically correct, not politically correct."
Philip graduated from Duke University with a BA in Public Policy Studies and earned an MBA from Vanderbilt University. He began his career in the travel industry in 1989, and as CEO of Travelmation, he made a name for himself in travel, tourism and hospitality.
In 2011, Philip sold Phocuswright to Northstar Travel Group and retired from an executive role. He then embarked on a journey as mentor and serial board director for more than 25 companies on four continents.
"Philip was more than our founder; he was Phocuswright's guiding light," said Phocuswright managing director Pete Comeau. "A legend and pioneer of online travel and travel tech, he touched so many in the industry. He gave freely of his knowledge and expertise, and we are all poorer with his loss."
Northstar Travel Group chairman and CEO Tom Kemp added, "Philip was a true visionary in the travel industry and the cornerstone of the travel technology revolution as well as our founder and leader of Phocuswright."
Bob Sullivan, president, Northstar Travel Group said, "The industry has lost a genius today. Philip was an integral part of the Phocuswright and Northstar families. We are all heartbroken."
The Phocuswright team sends its deepest condolences to Philip's wife and co-founder of Phocuswright, Carol Hutzelman, their two children and the entire family.
