The managing director of Autodata Tony Swiatek (55) has died of cancer. Tony Swiatek

Swiatek joined Autodata in 1985 with first-hand experience of workshop and garage operations.

He was appointed managing director in 2005 and led the development of Autodata’s business not just in the UK and Europe but also in the USA, Australia and other overseas markets.

Last year Swiatek was the motivating force behind a major expansion programme doubling the capacity at the company’s headquarters in Maidenhead.

A spokesman for Autodata said: "Tony was an inspirational leader and dedicated his enthusiasm to taking Autodata firmly into the digital age, doubling the size of the company and building it into the successful international business it is today.

"With his conspicuous business achievements and easy management style Tony gained the respect and admiration of customers, colleagues, suppliers, associates and the media. He will be remembered as an intelligent, compassionate, amusing and above all a straight talking individual who loved his job and the automotive industry in which he had dedicated his working career."