As founder and CEO of Knatchbull Communications in the early 2000s, Philip Knatchbull invested in international films sales, talent agencies, ISP’s and music publishing.

In 2006 he bought and then built the 90-year-old film brand Curzon into one of the most respected fully integrated film brands in the world specialising in and becoming the market leader for imported European and Asian language films into the UK. This culminated in the multiple award-winning and box office hit film Parasite in 2020.

During his 17-year stewardship of Curzon, Knatchbull grew the company from two iconic cinemas to 20, launched the ground-breaking streaming service Curzon Home Cinema, and acquired all UK distribution rights to over 400 films from over 40 countries. Its films won multiple Oscars and BAFTAs and more Palme d’Or winners than any other UK film distributor.

In 2017 Philip collected the Bafta award for Curzon’s outstanding British contribution to cinema. Having sold Curzon in 2019 he stepped down as CEO in November 2023. Less than a year later Fortress Investment Group acquired Curzon and Philip has returned as chairman and CEO with a vision to establish Curzon as a broader cultural and lifestyle brand.