The SJA is saddened to hear of the death of Steve Rose, long-time committee member and Senior Director for Sport at Getty Images.
Steve, 54, who had bravely fought a 15-month battle against illness, was an active and enthusiastic member of the association with photographers always very much in his heart.
Tributes poured in. Tony Hicks, AP regional photo editor, Europe and Asia, said: “I worked with Steve for four years at Allsport at the start of my career and actually undertook my first ever assignment with him – the Albertville Winter Olympics in 1992.
“Steve was a great guy. While I will always think of him as ‘Rosey’ or ‘Rose Bowl’, he really was a giant of the industry, who played a key role in making Getty the success they are. Over the years we continued to bump into each other at countless sporting events or planning meetings and would often have a beer together if the schedules allowed. A lovely man who will be sorely missed.”
Award-winning photographer Bob Martin said: “I grew up with Rosie in the early days of Allsport. He was loved by us all and became one of the big characters in our business. He will be missed by all of us.”
The news was announced by Ken Mainardis, SVP Global Editorial, Getty Images.
He said: “Steve Rose was a giant of the golden age of sports photography. He began his career at Allsport, the business that became Getty Images Sport, in September 1983 working all the way through the organisation from dark room to Director of Photography.
“Steve was well-known and liked across the industry for his commitment to quality and a total dedication to elevating the craft of sports photography. During his career, Steve managed the Getty Images UK and EMEA sports teams, producing and developing the finest sports photography talent and teams in the world today.
“We will miss Steve greatly and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
SJA co-chair Janine Self said: “What dreadful news. Steve was very much a stalwart on the committee and a huge support. He is one of reasons the SJA enjoys such a close relationship with Getty Images and he will be sorely missed by all of us. Our condolences go out to his family.”