John Barton, who stepped down as chairman of easyJet on December 1, has died.
EasyJet said it was saddened to hear of the death of Barton, who also took up the chairmanship of fashion retailer Ted Baker last year.
He chaired the UK low cost carrier for almost nine years and was also a previous chairman of Next.
A chartered accountant, Barton, 77, was previously chair of Cable and Wireless Worldwide, and senior independent director of both WH Smith and SSP Group.
EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said: “I am truly shocked and extremely saddened to hear of John’s passing.
“I was very fortunate to have worked closely with him over the years and benefited greatly from his wise counsel.
“He was a man of huge integrity who was very much liked and respected by everyone across the airline.
“On behalf of all of his former colleagues at easyJet, we send our heartfelt sympathies to John’s family at this time. He will be greatly missed.”
Stephen Hester, former head of RBS who took over as chairman of easyJet at the start on the month, said: “John was a distinguished chair and made an outstanding contribution to the company during his tenure.
“He was also a wonderful human being. On behalf of the board, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to John’s family at this difficult time.”