Neil McCann, the former chairman and chief executive of Ireland-based tropical fresh produce importer Fyffes, has died aged 87, the company has announced.
McCann, who retired in 2005 having worked with the business for 55 years, played a major role in building the company into a truly multinational player in the global fresh produce market.
His son David is now chairman of Fyffes, while another son, Carl, performs the same role at Total Produce, the fresh produce company which demerged from Fyffes at the start of 2007.
'The board of Fyffes, together with all of its executives and staff, present and past, extend their deepest sympathies to his beloved wife, Mary, his six children and his extended family,' the company said in a statement, referring to McCann as the 'driving force' behind the firm.
'He spearheaded its growth through more than five decades, expanding it into the major international group that it is today.
'He enjoyed huge respect in the industry and will be sorely missed by all who knew him for his extraordinary vision and leadership, his passion for the business and his generosity and fairness to all.'
