Suttons Group chairman dies aged 66

Chairman and former MD of the Suttons Group Michael Sutton has died aged 66, after a short illness.

The son of the company’s founder Alf Sutton, Michael joined the business aged 19, succeeding his father as MD in 1978 aged just 30.

During his time as MD, Michael expanded the family firm’s portfolio of services extensively and oversaw impressive growth. These days the company is one of the biggest in UK roadtransport standing at number 43 in Motor Transport's Top 100 companies with a turnover of £66m.

His eldest son John Sutton is the current CEO of the company, and his youngest son Robert is the group’s IT director. Other family members continue to sit on the company’s board.

The family said: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our chairman, Michael Sutton on May 8, 2015.  He was a much-loved and respected leader, as well as a beloved father, grandfather and uncle. His presence, guidance and humour will be greatly missed.

“In the meantime, we would like to assure you that the family are determined to continue to run Suttons in the spirit that both Michael and Alf have done in the past.”