Primark founder and chair Arthur Ryan dies

Ryan, who founded the fashion chain in 1969 and opened its first store on Mary Street in Dublin, was 83 years old.

He led Primark for 40 years as chief executive before handing the reins to current boss Paul Marchant in 2009.

Today, Primark operates more than 370 stores across 12 countries and employs more than 75,000 people.

Marchant said: “On behalf of everyone at Primark, we are greatly saddened by the passing of our founder and chair Arthur Ryan. We want to extend our deepest sympathies to Arthur’s family at this sad time. Arthur Ryan was a truly gifted retailer and a visionary leader.

“He was a true retail pioneer. He innovated and was never complacent, despite many successes. He challenged us all to be the best we can be. His drive and passion were always shown alongside great humility, integrity and support for our people. All of these characteristics remain guiding principles at Primark today.

“Throughout his entire career, Arthur remained deeply connected to the business and the customer, regularly visiting stores and walking the shop floor. His legacy will continue in the business that he founded and built. Those of us who worked closely with him will cherish his friendship and wisdom and he will be hugely missed by all of his Primark family.”

Chief executive of Primark owner Associated British Foods George Weston added: “From the board of ABF and on behalf of the Weston family, our deepest sympathies go out to Arthur’s wife, Alma, and all his family and friends at this very sad time. We will all greatly miss his larger than life presence, his sharp wit and his friendship.

“Arthur Ryan will be remembered as one of the great giants of retailing. When my grandfather, Garfield Weston and uncle, Galen Weston, recruited Arthur to run Penneys in 1969 with only one store in Dublin, they knew they were hiring an exceptional trader. But what three generations of Westons learnt over the following decades was that Arthur was also a great leader and business builder, driven every day by a relentless desire to delight his customers.

“Arthur Ryan made fashion accessible to all and his legacy looms large. He built a phenomenal world-class retailer, the foundations of which will always belong to Ireland.”