New Zealand business commentator and businessman Brian Gaynor has died following a brief illness.
Gaynor co-founded specialist investment firm Milford Asset Management - which currently has $15 billion under management - and was also a major shareholder in business news outlet BusinessDesk and chair of its board before the sale to NZME.
"We at BusinessDesk express our deepest condolences to Brian's family and all who knew him," BusinessDesk said.
"We are devastated."
Gaynor was twice awarded the NZ Shareholders Association Beacon Award in 2020 and 2006.
His previous roles include partner and head of research at Jarden, a member of the New Zealand Stock Exchange, chairperson of the New Zealand Society of Investment Analysts, and chairperson of the Asian Securities Analysts Council.
Milford Asset Management also acknowledged Gaynor's death, who was a non-executive director alongside co-founder.
"Our deepest sympathies go out to Brian's family at this very sad time," they said in a statement.
"His dedication and determination to providing New Zealanders with good financial education and information, investment funds and advice has endured, and will be part of his legacy for the company's over 170 staff and over 80,000 clients across New Zealand and Australia.
"Brian was a driving force of both our organisation and our industry, and we will remember him as a leader, a mentor and a friend."
Details of a memorial service will be released in due course.
