TRIBUTES are pouring in for former Qantas chief James Strong, who has died aged 68 after complications following surgery.
Mr Strong died last night in Sydney, his family said in a statement.
"A beautiful man and a great loss. He will be profoundly missed by many," his family said.
Mr Strong was the chief executive and managing director of Qantas between 1993 and 2001 following his appointment to the company's board in 1991.
He was Woolworths chairman for 12 years, stepping down from the role in November.
In addition, Mr Strong was also a chairman of V8 Supercars and Kathmandu Holdings.
Chairman of Woolworths, Ralph Waters, and CEO and Managing Director, Grant O’Brien, said the company was saddened by the news.
“Australia has lost a unique and accomplished business leader who, at 68, still had so
much more to give and achieve," Mr Waters said.
“I am greatly saddened by the news and have expressed condolences on behalf of the
Board, Management and staff of Woolworths to his wife Jeanne Claude, and sons Nick
and Sam."
Mr O’Brien said Mr Strong was an inspirational, energetic and thoughtful Chairman, who led
Woolworths through one of its greatest periods of growth and change.
“James’ business experience, cultural and sporting interests brought a wealth of
knowledge and insight into our company, and enriched Woolworths enormously,” Mr
O’Brien said.
"From the most humble of beginnings growing-up in rural northern NSW, to the top of
some of Australia's largest and most iconic business brands, such as Woolworths, is an
extraordinary achievement.
“He was a mentor for many, and a tireless supporter of so many and varied aspects of
modern Australia.
"There isn’t a corner of this country that James hasn’t touched or
helped in some form or another, from the arts to industry, to sport and regional Australia."
Kathmandu CEO Peter Halkett said he was very sad to lose his chairman and mentor.
"I was always able to count on his full support during some challenging periods that Kathmandu has experienced as a public company," he said.
Newly appointed interim Kathmandu chairman John Harvey said Mr Strong played a critical role in securing the company's initial listing.
"His loss will be felt throughout the business community," he said.
Formula One driver Mark Webber said Mr Strong will be missed.
"Sorry to hear the news that James Strong has passed away. He was very special towards my junior racing career. Great guy. Will be missed," he wrote on Twitter.
The Australian Institute of Company Directors paid tribute to Mr Strong.
“James was one of the outstanding business leaders of his generation,” said Company Directors’ Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director John Colvin.
“One of Australia’s most respected company directors, he was widely acknowledged for his business leadership, integrity and commercial acumen.
"His leadership extended far wider, however, including prominent roles in the arts, sport, charities and philanthropy.”
ABC managing director Mark Scott also posted his condolences.
"Saddened to hear of the death of James Strong. Captain of industry, advocate for the arts, adventurer, gentleman, and wonderful bow-ties," he tweeted.
Qantas will release a statement today.
Mr Strong was also chairman of the Insurance Australia Group and Woolworths.
He was previously chief executive of Australian Airlines from 1985 until 1989.
AAP
Mr Strong died last night in Sydney, his family said in a statement.
"A beautiful man and a great loss. He will be profoundly missed by many," his family said.
Mr Strong was the chief executive and managing director of Qantas between 1993 and 2001 following his appointment to the company's board in 1991.
He was Woolworths chairman for 12 years, stepping down from the role in November.
In addition, Mr Strong was also a chairman of V8 Supercars and Kathmandu Holdings.
Chairman of Woolworths, Ralph Waters, and CEO and Managing Director, Grant O’Brien, said the company was saddened by the news.
“Australia has lost a unique and accomplished business leader who, at 68, still had so
much more to give and achieve," Mr Waters said.
“I am greatly saddened by the news and have expressed condolences on behalf of the
Board, Management and staff of Woolworths to his wife Jeanne Claude, and sons Nick
and Sam."
Mr O’Brien said Mr Strong was an inspirational, energetic and thoughtful Chairman, who led
Woolworths through one of its greatest periods of growth and change.
“James’ business experience, cultural and sporting interests brought a wealth of
knowledge and insight into our company, and enriched Woolworths enormously,” Mr
O’Brien said.
"From the most humble of beginnings growing-up in rural northern NSW, to the top of
some of Australia's largest and most iconic business brands, such as Woolworths, is an
extraordinary achievement.
“He was a mentor for many, and a tireless supporter of so many and varied aspects of
modern Australia.
"There isn’t a corner of this country that James hasn’t touched or
helped in some form or another, from the arts to industry, to sport and regional Australia."
Kathmandu CEO Peter Halkett said he was very sad to lose his chairman and mentor.
"I was always able to count on his full support during some challenging periods that Kathmandu has experienced as a public company," he said.
Newly appointed interim Kathmandu chairman John Harvey said Mr Strong played a critical role in securing the company's initial listing.
"His loss will be felt throughout the business community," he said.
Formula One driver Mark Webber said Mr Strong will be missed.
"Sorry to hear the news that James Strong has passed away. He was very special towards my junior racing career. Great guy. Will be missed," he wrote on Twitter.
The Australian Institute of Company Directors paid tribute to Mr Strong.
“James was one of the outstanding business leaders of his generation,” said Company Directors’ Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director John Colvin.
“One of Australia’s most respected company directors, he was widely acknowledged for his business leadership, integrity and commercial acumen.
"His leadership extended far wider, however, including prominent roles in the arts, sport, charities and philanthropy.”
ABC managing director Mark Scott also posted his condolences.
"Saddened to hear of the death of James Strong. Captain of industry, advocate for the arts, adventurer, gentleman, and wonderful bow-ties," he tweeted.
Qantas will release a statement today.
Mr Strong was also chairman of the Insurance Australia Group and Woolworths.
He was previously chief executive of Australian Airlines from 1985 until 1989.
AAP
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