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Tributes paid to ‘gentleman’ Reynolds

Tributes have been made to former Abta chief executive Ian Reynolds who has died after a short illness.


He served as the head of the association for 11 years until 2005, having previously spent 26 years working for IBM.


He became chairman of insurance company Citybond Holdings a few months after leaving Abta.


Reynolds was a trustee of the Family Holiday Association and only recently stepped down as chairman.


An FHA spokesman said: “The staff and trustees at the charity have offered their most sincere condolences to Gill, his wife, and his two daughters.”


Former Abta head of corporate affairs Keith Betton wrote on Facebook: “My heart goes out to everyone who was close to my terrific friend, ex-boss and mentor – Ian Reynolds, who died yesterday following a short illness.


“It is rare to have a boss who you can genuinely call a friend, but Ian truly cared about everyone who worked for him, and never closed the door if advice was wanted.


“What a lovely man he was. He was a true gentleman – and a huge influence on me and so many others. He will be missed so much.”


Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Ian was Abta chief executive for eleven years, during which time he laid the foundations for the successful association that Abta is today.


“Everyone who worked with Ian will remember his professionalism, fairness and  great sense of humour. He remained very supportive of Abta after his departure, and he will be much missed by us all.”

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