RIP Julian Millward-Hopkins
Our tribute to the former Mercedes Middle East PR Manager, who passed away earlier this month
By Fraser Martin
Earlier this month saw the sad passing of Julian Millward-Hopkins, a much respected and admired former journalist and later PR professional, who was looking after Press and PR at Mercedes-Benz Middle East until a couple of years ago. Whilst he had been very ill for a very long time, the news of his death came as a shock to the region’s media professionals, which is a sign of the great affection in which he was held. Our own Fraser Martin spent a great deal of time with him during his tenure here and looks back at his fond memories of this friendly, warm and generous spirit in his own touching tribute:
It was very sad to hear the news of Julian’s death – he was one of the best PR guys in the business, a consummate professional and one of the few who fully committed to the spirit of any event he was involved in. He looked after me, as well as others, on quite a number of Mercedes Benz events over the years, and he has been sadly missed as part of the circle for some time.
I first met Julian when I got a call from him to put a car into a hotel here in Dubai. His team had been struggling for two hours to get the car along a cornered corridor and into position for a Press launch, and I think he may have been reaching the end of his tether – time was running out for sure! The problem was solved easily as it turned out – all I had to do was take the car out of the hotel and reverse it in: job done.
There were other times when we kind of saved one another – on one Press Trip he hopped aboard a car I had and asked if I could share it with him and another journalist (who shall remain nameless!) because he said “If you share this car with X, then I’ll know that at least half the journey will be without incident, and I’m stuck with this guy.”
The best run I remember was when he called me up one day, and said, “I have something you might like to drive; do you want to come and collect it?” Sure, I said, what is it? “Do you want to drive it or don’t you? Just get your arse over here!” It was the McLaren Mercedes SLR 722! He handed over the keys, with a parting shot: “Don’t break it, and get it back here by 5; I’m going out for dinner.” That was typical of Julian – if you were trusted, nothing was ever a problem. It was probably the rarest and most expensive car I had driven at the time.
Damien Reid (Autocar Middle East) and I took a massive detour in Iceland on the GL Launch, to get some black sand pictures, with his blessing; I had special arrangements made on a G-Wagen activity half way up a mountain in Austria and I well remember several evenings of sundowners, where despite having to limit himself due to his diabetes, he was the life and soul of the party.
His office might have been like a bomb-site most of the time, but from that chaos came some of the best Press trips I have been on. He was brilliant. I hope he’s resting peacefully now.
Excellent Fraser, thank you.
Well written and one of the most qualified blokes in this game to represent the motoring hacks when paying tribute to the Doyen that is Jules.
I have great memories of that Iceland trip for the GL and being given the responsibility from JMH to leave the media masses and find our own roads to get some unique photography.
RIP Julien, it’s been an honour and a privilege to have been able to spend time with you.
Great tribute. Julian was night editor when I joined The Gulf Today and we were the last of the Brits there. He outlasted me in the end!
I just remember him as a robust and friendly character who had a real zest for life. He made me feel at home straight away and as my shift on the sports desk often finished around 10pm, we would share many evenings putting the world to rights!
I last saw him two years ago when he brought a car launch to Jordan. He was still the same character i knew from all those years earlier and despite his obvious ongoing fight with illness, he was full of beans and left me with a real warm feeling inside after seeing him again.
News of his death was sadly received. I only hope he is resting in piece and we can all remember what he brought to us in the times we had the pleasure of spending with him.
I learned from Julian how to be a silent hard-worker expecting no applause in return. I admired his kindness and sense of humour. I loved having him around in the office. You will be deeply missed Julian. You are already. Sandy
Well said Fraser. Shared many fond memories of PR events and motorsport with Julian. RIP.
When I last saw him in American Hospital he still had his finger on the Media-Pulse; he knew exactly what was going on from the latest Mercedes-Benz Product News to the knowing all the Gossip before I did…!!
Gutted to hear the news… I was talking about him just the other day and wandered how he was….
Rest In Peace Julian….
Julian was a hard worker, I always saw him busy with something and the best part was, he loved what he was doing. I remember him coming to work even when he started to get ill and we never thought that there would be a time when he wouldn’t be with us any longer. We miss you Julian.
I pray he rests in peace.
Unbelievably heartbreaking news. He was great to work with and became a great friend too. He organised the best press trips, made us all laugh, understood what journalists need and was the centre of many an amusing anecdote. The stories will be shared and glasses raised to him this Friday at his funeral.
My Wife Yvette and I are very sad about the passing of Julian. We had some great moments with him and he was very supportive of both of us. We kept in contact with him since we left the ME region and it was always a highlight to hear from him. It’s a big loss and he will be greatly missed by us.
A much respected colleague and mentor. Julian helped me professionally on so many occasions and befriended our family. Thanks to him we have many fond memories of our Dubai days. This is such sad news. Our thoughts are with his family.