The Australian media and advertising industry is mourning the loss of a vibrant and respected leader, with colleagues across the sector paying heartfelt tribute to Kat Droulers, Queensland sales director, ad sales at Paramount Australia, who will be farewelled this morning by family, friends, and colleagues.
For nearly three decades, Droulers was a beloved figure in the media landscape, building her distinguished career across leading organisations including IdeaWorks, Mitchell Media, Media Circus, Carat Australia, Network 10 and Paramount Australia.
Known not just for her exceptional professional acumen, but also for her remarkable ability to transform business relationships into genuine friendships built on trust, warmth, and mutual respect, it is little wonder that Droulers was a finalist for B&T’s Women In Media Awards.
Droulers’ legacy as a fierce yet compassionate leader, generous mentor, and cherished friend has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the industry, each reflecting the profound impact she had on the lives and careers of those fortunate enough to work alongside her.
Lou Barrett, Managing Director of Client Partnerships, News Corp
“Kat was absolutely one of a kind, and it’s hard to put into words what a truly special colleague and friend Kat was. Her warmth, her fierce loyalty, her generosity, and her sense of humour made every day brighter, and her unwavering support and encouragement to young people in our industry meant so much to everyone. She had a way of bringing people together, of lifting spirits and of making the toughest days lighter. I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with Kat for over 30 years and even luckier to have called her a friend. She will be deeply missed, but always remembered with love, admiration, and gratitude”.
Lisa Squillace, Head of Motion Entertainment, WPP Media Australia & New Zealand
“When I think of Kat, I immediately feel warmth. Truely caring, intelligent and generous with her time and thoughts, Kat has been an integral part of our industry and my life for decades. Kat’s ability to decipher the needs of others, her work ethic, and her tenacity delivered with a smile, made her such an important choice for us when we were building the 10 Sales team in Brisbane. At that time, I couldn’t have done it without her. And later, her leadership really did cement her integral place in our industry. With a brightness that could light up the sky, Kat will be missed.”
Emma Heinz, Group Business Director, QMS Media
“Kat was truly one of the good ones. Her warmth, kindness and quick wit made her someone you couldn’t help but love and admire. Her smile could light up a room, and her honesty was always refreshing. She was taken far too soon, and I’ll miss her and her friendship dearly.”
Rod Prosser, Chief Sales Officer, Paramount Australia
“Kat was a true powerhouse in the media industry, but more importantly, she was a dear friend to so many of us. I feel incredibly fortunate that we had the privilege of having her as part of the Paramount family.
“We will miss her wicked sense of humour, her beautiful, big smile, and her unwavering devotion to our industry. She was a star in every sense, pouring her heart and soul into her family, friends, work, and her team – usually all at the same time, often with a glass of wine in hand and a perfectly timed one-liner that would have us all in stitches.
“Personally, I feel blessed to have known her for 25 years, watching her light up every room she entered and fill it with warmth and laughter. Her passing is deeply saddening, but there is comfort in knowing she is now reunited with the love of her life, JD – no doubt already organising the best party heaven has ever seen.”
Lisa Blackshaw, Senior Account Director, Cogency
“Kat, or ‘Trinny’ as I’ll always know her, was more than my best friend — she was my sister, my partner in adventure, and the person who could turn even the smallest moment into something extraordinary. Her laughter, warmth, and fearless spirit will stay with me forever, and I’ll carry her joy into every memory still to come.”
Rodica Titeica, Director, Marketing Australia and New Zealand, Subway Systems Australia
“Brilliant in every way – Kat lived life in full colour. The bright clothes and bold glasses that she wore reflected the warmth and vibrancy she carried within. She was fun, selfless, quick to laugh, and unfailingly kind. Kat was a friend who gave openly and loved without hesitation. Kat’s legacy is one of brightness: in the career she created, the friendships she nurtured, and the joy she brought to every corner of her life. To have known her was a privilege; to lose her is immeasurable. She will be missed deeply and forever.”
Tanya Howson, Assistant General Manager Marketing, Isuzu UTE Australia
“Our gorgeous and dearest friend, Kat – the woman that would light up any room with her colour, sparkle, and warmth. She had a smile and hug that would make anyone’s day brighter. Kat’s love for family, her puppies and friends was always so evident. We will miss you Kat, your big heart, your laughter, and the kindness you gave to everyone. Love you and we all will miss you so very much.”
Richard Hunwick, Director of Sales – Total Audio, ARN
“Tough to sum Kat up in a few words, but she was one of the fiercest, kindest and funniest humans I’ve had the pleasure to know. A fierce negotiator, a fierce defender of her client, a fierce competitor, but also the fiercest of friends. She always had time – always time for a chat, always time for a wine, always time for a laugh. And didn’t she laugh… a lot! Warm, generous laughter. She laughed with you, and she brought joy.
“Kat was a leader in the industry, both publisher and agency, Sydney and Brisbane. She was admired and respected by all who dealt with her, and loved by all who really knew her.
“Kat will be missed.”
Nick Bower, General Manager – Ad Sales, Paramount Australia
“Our hearts are broken but simultaneously filled with amazing memories of Kat’s vibrancy, compassion and friendship. Vale my dear friend, Kat Droulers.”
Karen Hirst, Group Partnership Manager, and the Paramount Queensland Sales team
“We are absolutely heart-broken and devastated at the loss of our fearless leader, Kat. Quite simply, we have never met anyone as passionate about the industry we work in as Kat.
“Kat was one of the most honest, authentic, and extremely hard-working people in our industry. Mix that with huge empathy and a desire to support and champion those around her, and it’s no wonder she leaves such a gaping hole in our industry here in Bris.
“She was such an incredibly well loved and respected force within our Brissie market and beyond, and there was never a dull moment when Kat was in the room. The mantra of ‘work hard, play hard’ feels fitting for our Kat.
“I feel fortunate to have known and worked alongside Kat throughout my career, and to call her a close friend. Thank you, Kat, for the incredible love and support you showed me and the rest of the team at Paramount. You will be beyond missed, but we feel heartened to know that the positive impact you made on this industry and with those around you will live on.”
Rebecca Lawrie, Director of Sales – Brisbane, Nine
“Kat was more than a competitor, she was a brilliant colleague and a true friend. She had a way of brightening any room she entered, not just with her
love of bright colours and sparkles, but with her passion, her energy and her warmth. I will forever miss Kat not being the first person I look for in a room, our conversations, good natured rivalry, and the way we could always laugh together.”
Barry O’Brien OAM, Founder & Chairman, Atomic 212°
“What a sad day for Paramount, the Brisbane advertising and media market, and all of Kat’s friends and family, of which there were many. Kat’s circle of connection was vast, and she was loved and respected by all.
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Kat for over 25 years, as a media buyer and sales leader. She had an exceptional talent for delivering the best results for her clients and media network. She was a tremendous human and a keeper for whoever she was working for”.
Kat Droulers was a pleasure to be with and around, with a smile that could light up a room, supported by an amazing personality. RIP my gorgeous friend.”
