“THE HEART OF A VIKING AND THE SOUL OF AN ANGEL”

International colour director Chris Williams passed away in October 2021 after a short illness. Here, his Rush friends, family and colleagues share their heart-felt tributes

“When Chris joined Rush, he brought so much to our business. He was instrumental in creating our Colour Artists initiative. Whatever Chris did he put his heart and soul into it. A great memory is when he dressed up with Andy Heasman as a character out of Grease at the Rush Oscars, the duo really complemented each other.”

Andy Phouli, CEO and co-founder Rush

“Chris Williams = my hero. He changed the way we do colour at Rush – in my view he was a genius. His legacy lives on through our Rush family, and everyone he taught; he will be greatly missed and never forgotten.”

Stell Andrew, CEO and co-founder Rush

“Chris was a driving force within the team. His attitude, his laugh, and his attention to detail will be sorely missed. We worked together for over 15 years and what he added to my haircuts was incredible. Everyone he worked with took some of Chris’ unique way of thinking away with them. To sum him up: he had the heart of a Viking and the soul of an angel. RIP Chris.”

Andy Heasman, international creative director Rush

“Chris had an impeccable eye. He was a perfectionist, and he would always keep us on our toes! We had many crazy adventures from sky diving (Chris’ idea) in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital to working on so many events. I miss his infectious laugh.“

Tina Farey, editorial director Rush

"Chris was not just a colleague, he was a friend, mentor, family man and the father of a 13-year-old daughter. We always talked so much about our daughters being of similar age, and always wanted to go on a sailing trip together. I miss him so much.”

Seung Ki Baek, Rush Artistic Team member

“Chris was an inspirational colourist, gifted educator and his legacy will live on through his work. We will forever be grateful for his contribution to his craft, and I can speak on behalf of all at L’Oréal Professional Products that it was a privilege to work with him.”

Béatrice Dautzenberg, managing director UK & Ireland L’Oréal Professional Products Division

“Chris was my friend before he was my colleague, we met when we were both invited to join the L’Oréal 20/20 Colour Collective. I was instantly drawn to his huge personality. His unique approach to colouring hair will leave an unfillable hole in our industry but abov all, I will miss Chris the person.”

Adam Bryant, academy director Rush