Reports surfaced this week that Kim Kardashian had parted ways with longtime assistant Stephanie Shepherd. According to rumors, Shepherd was recently promoted to head of KKW Brands (like Kimoji and Kids Supply) but things "didn't work out" with the job upgrade and the pair's working relationship ended on a sour note.
As Stephanie mentioned in her lengthy interview with Refinery29 earlier this year, Kim had long-since hired a new assistant to manage her schedule and build her baby gear (actually, multiple assistants), but Shep's departure left a gaping hole when it came to running her empire.

Enter Tracy Romulus: Kim's new HBIC of Kimsaprincess, LLC. (Yes, this is actually the official name of Kim's company.)

If Tracy is a new face for you, you obviously don't Keep Up like we do. The pair have been friends for 15 years, and have been a part of most all each others' important life events: for example, Tracy and her musician hubby, Ray Romulus, were on hand to bear witness when Kanye proposed to Kim on a football field (You may recall the "PLEEEASE MARRY MEEE!!!!" sign) and present at their wedding in Italy.

If none of this rings a bell, the following sure will. If you've ever seen a pic of North West with her cutie patootie best friend, Ryan, your eyes have already taken in some of Tracy's DNA! Ryan — Tracy and Ray's daughter — is North's bestie, and the person she probably spends the most time with outside of her cousins:

But Tracy isn't just another fam friend. She's also a PR and marketing maven with 20 years' experience in the business. She was a publicist for Kanye's Yeezy lines, most memorably for Yeezy SZN 3, in which Kanye even tweeted out a convo with Tracy in which he demanded more celebs be invited to his show on a last-minute basis. Hey, if Kanye can put you through the ringer and you come out the other side successful (meaning he's pleased with your work), you're pretty much as good as gold!

Having been friends since before the inception of Kimye, the two have truly grown together. They were even both preggo with their second children at the same damn time!

Considering the imminent danger Kim was put in when she was assaulted and robbed in Paris, which allegedly was an inside job that could've included cooperation from those on her staff, it only makes more sense that Kimberly would turn to a close, trusted friend (who just happens to be one of the most talented women in the business) to help run her booming empire. (Also being able to successfully work with known perfectionist Kanye and not lose your mind is a testament to Tracy's patience, if there ever was one!) Tracy will be tasked with helping oversee KKW Beauty, KKW Fragrance, Kimoji, the Kids Supply and other lines, according to Page Six.  

Tracy may be a relatively unfamiliar face for now, but we have no doubt she'll get her very own role on Keeping Up soon!