Tributes have been paid to The Fragrance Shop鈥檚 chief technology officer Paul Maxwell.
Maxwell was a valued member of the senior management team at the UK鈥檚 largest independent, fragrance retailer and died suddenly on August 2nd.
: 鈥淢yself and the family have been so moved and comforted by the outpouring of love and respect expressed by so many and are truly grateful to everyone for their kind and heartfelt words at such a difficult time.
鈥淭he loss that everyone feels has been echoed across not only the industry, but friends far and wide.
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鈥淗e was deeply respected not just for his extensive technical knowledge, but respected for the person that he was, being an inspiration to so many. That鈥檚 often a rare skill.
鈥淧aul was an exceptional leader. He was always supportive and compassionate, considerate yet resilient.
鈥淧aul always tried to encourage the skills of his team and gave them the confidence to grow.
鈥淧aul embraced challenge with such positivity. He was always undaunted and always tackled issues with a steady head.
鈥淢ost importantly, and whatever he did in life, he approached everything with a gentleness and always with respect for others. His genuineness and kindness shone throughout.
鈥淧aul was my world, and my rock who steadied me through many turbulent times. Whenever he wasn鈥檛 around during difficult situations, I would always ask myself 鈥榃hat would Paul do?鈥� (I wished I鈥檇 have told him that).
鈥淲ords cannot express the pain we鈥檙e going through as a family. The emptiness I feel is undescribable but I am so blessed and honoured to have had Paul in my life, and by my side for 32 years.鈥�
Sanjay Vadera founded Manchester-based The Fragrance Shop in 1994.
A company spokesman said: 鈥淧aul made a lasting impact during his time with us. He brought calm leadership, deep technical expertise, and a genuine care for the people he worked with.
鈥淗is contributions to our business and our teams were significant, and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Paul鈥檚 family at this incredibly difficult time.鈥�
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Friends and colleagues have also added their own moving tributes.
Dan McGrath, JD Group customer operations at JD Sports Fashion, wrote: 鈥淥ne of the best human beings I ever had the pleasure to work alongside over my years at JD in many different roles.鈥�
Strategic technology leader Jamie Smith said: 鈥淚 have wonderful memories of our time spent together, his wit, gentle nature, and the easy friendship we shared, that I will truly miss.鈥�