Shaun Barritt, CEO of the Grosvenor Group, has died aged 64 after battling late-stage sarcomatoid mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer.

Shaun’s vision, drive, innovative spirit and passion helped propel the company’s success and its profile in the fleet and leasing sector

Barritt passed away peacefully on Sunday 6 February with his family around him at home.

In a statement, the company said Shaun’s role in making the Grosvenor Group what it is today would always be remembered, and added that full and proper tributes would be paid to his incredible legacy.

Shaun joined the business in 1984 and worked his way through to becoming managing director, and more recently group CEO.

His vision, drive, innovative spirit and passion helped propel the company’s success and its profile in the fleet and leasing sector.

This included his incredibly engaging management style, according to the business, which said his energy and positivity, coupled with a huge sense of fun, was felt by those around him.

“He had a very natural ability to make everyone feel genuinely valued and appreciated,” said Nicola Johnson, chairwoman, “which is why Grosvenor is the ‘family’ that we are today.

“In reality, there is so much to say about Shaun. We are not only the UK’s largest privately owned contract hire and fleet management business, but a company that is known across our entire sector for our pioneering spirit, exceptional service levels and outstanding portfolio of products and services.”

She added: “Thanks to Shaun, we have a very strong, experienced, stable and longstanding senior leadership team here at Grosvenor, and everyone who knew him will miss him dearly.”