Watts Tyre Group former managing director, Douglas Pearson, 66, passed away early this month following a short illness.

Pearson joined Watts in 1976 as works manager for the Lydney site factories. He became managing director of Watts Industrial Tyres in 1988 and stepped down in 2006.

He spent the year before he retired in the US, overseeing the integration of Diprima and establishing Watts' operations in the southern US.

James Pick, marketing manager for Watts Tyre Group, says Pearson will be remembered professionally for being one of the leading lights of the industrial tyre market and personally for his integrity, honesty, and warmth.

"We extend our sincere sympathies to his devoted wife, Judy, his son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Jill, and his beloved grandchildren, Aaron and Louis."