Veteran Woolworths director Roger Jones, who spent 50 years at the variety store group, died on Sunday.

Jones joined what was then FW Woolworth in 1958, becoming managing director in 1995. He retired in 1998, but joined the board of Woolworths as a non-executive director when it demerged from Kingfisher in 2001.

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.”