Polestar Petty is mourning the loss of commercial director John Thompson, who died of a heart attack on Monday (22 October).

Thompson, 58, had worked for the group for 10 years, and prior to that spent 18 years at RR Donnelley.

Phil Waller of Pettys group planning department said: "John was a well-respected individual not just at Petty but across the whole group. He was very committed and supportive in everything he did for the business, and we have lost not just a colleague but a great friend."

Quebecor Worlds vice president of strategy for Europe, John Dickin, a close personal friend, also paid tribute: "John was one of the finest people Ive ever worked with in my time in this industry. His death is a tremendous loss."

Thompson is survived by his wife and two sons. The funeral will be held today (26 October) at noon at St James Church Wetherby. Donations should be made to the British Heart Foundation.