Industry mourns sudden death of hugely respected BCA product chief Guy Thomas

Remarketing specialist BCA has confirmed the sudden passing of Guy Thomas, its group head of product.

Thomas joined the business in 2009 and played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of several key projects, most notably the award-winning BCA Dealer Pro vehicle appraisal, valuation and remarketing app.

BCA said his impact on its digital strategy was immeasurable and that under his leadership, the company successfully navigated numerous industry challenges and enhanced its product offerings, delivering innovative solutions that set a new benchmark.

As a respected voice on market trends and valuation insights, BCA hailed him not just a leader but a visionary in his field as well as a beloved colleague and mentor,

Avril Palmer-Baunack, chairman of BCA, said: "Guy was a highly experienced professional and a respected industry voice. His contributions to BCA’s digital strategy were invaluable and his dedication to customers was unmatched. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working with him."

Guy’s influence extended far beyond his professional expertise. He was widely known and respected for his kindness, positivity, and generosity.

“He was well known and respected across the industry given the high profile customer facing roles he had held and was extremely popular with his colleagues across the BCA group.£ she added. "Guy always had the time to help, advise and assist others and will be sorely missed by all who knew and worked with him. Our thoughts are with Guy’s family at this very sad time.”

Reflecting on Thomas' legacy, friends and colleagues have shared heartfelt tributes on professional networking site LinkedIn.

Andy Whitehair, CEO of Autofinity, wrote: "Losing Guy is an unbelievable tragedy, particularly at such a ridiculously young age. I’ve known Guy for 25 years since we worked together at 2nd Byte. Always positive, always smiling. Can’t believe this proud father and colleague has passed."

Francis Bleasdale, commercial director at BCA Marketplace, added: "Myself and the BCA OEM team are devastated. Any room or meeting was so much better with Guy in it. Always positive, enthusiastic, and kind - we will all miss him enormously. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."

Ian Plummer, commercial director at Auto Trader, shared: "Such terribly sad news. Guy was always a positive, enthusiastic, and amiable character. He was simply a truly enjoyable person to know. I feel privileged to have had that chance. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues who will surely feel his loss very hard."