Former Woolworths managing director Roger Jones, who spent almost 50 years at the variety store group, died on Sunday aged 71.

Jones joined what was then FW Woolworth in 1958 as a trainee store manager and at the time of his death was a non-executive director.

He headed the group between 1995 and 1998. Under his leadership Woolworths recorded its highest ever profit of£105.1 million. Jones joined the board as a non-executive when it was listed in 2001, following its demerger from Kingfisher.

Colleagues this week paid tribute to Jones, who had been ill for some time but carried on with his duties. Woolworths chairman Richard North said: “Everyone at Woolworths is greatly saddened by this news. Roger was an integral part of Woolworths for many years and his significant contribution will be greatly missed.”

Former Woolworths chief executive Trevor Bish-Jones said: “He was one of life’s true gentlemen. He always gave, in a deft way, good and constructive input.”

Sir Geoff Mulcahy, who created Kingfisher using Woolworths as a springboard, recalled that Jones was the only director to have stayed on after the acquisition.

He said: “I’ve rarely come across anyone so hard-working, honest and trustworthy. He had a fantastic attitude. You couldn’t have asked for a better colleague.”