TRIBUTES have been paid to a leading businessman who died last Friday (June 9).

Bob Michaelson, aged 63, was injured in a car crash on the A449 at Bastonford on Monday, May 15.

Mr Michaelson, of Malvern Wells, was chairman of the Institute of Directors West Midlands from December 2001 to November 2005.

He had recently been made an honorary life fellow of the IoD, in recognition of his outstanding service.

Regional director John Phillips led the tributes from the business community.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob's wife Pam, his daughter Sue, son-in-law Dan and granddaughter Phoebe at this very sad time," he said.

"Bob's friendly outgoing personality touched many people's lives. As well as being one of our most successful chairmen, he was a friend and mentor to me personally and I will really miss him.

"He was always bounding with energy and enthusiasm and it is very sad that he has been taken from us so prematurely. He enjoyed a successful career as a company director and epitomised the IoD's values of enterprise with integrity."

Current IoD chairman John James said: "Bob significantly raised the profile of the IoD across the West Midlands region during his time as chairman and he gave us the platform to build on and continue the growth of the IoD."

Michael Greensmith, chairman of the IoD's Hereford and Worcester branch, said: "I first got to know Bob when we worked together setting up what was then the Three Counties branch of the IoD. I always found Bob a most delightful and thorough person to work with."

A memorial service will be held at Malvern Priory on Friday, June 23, at 1.30pm, following a private cremation.