It is with great sadness that TRBusiness reports the death of experienced travel retail executive George Leśniak at the age of 61.

He had been in hospital following a road traffic accident and passed away just before Christmas, leaving behind Thérèse, his partner of nearly 28 years, and two daughters Joasia and Kasia.

Leśniak studied at Paderborn University in Germany and was offered a commission in the British Army that he turned down at the request of his father, a Polish II Corps veteran who had seen action in the Battle of Monte Cassino, Hill 575 during World War II.

The holder of a BA (Hons) in European Business Studies from Nottingham University Business School, Leśniak was a familiar and well-liked figure across global travel retail – an industry he was involved in for more than 20 years.

A LUST FOR LIFE

Having honed his professional craft in international business sales, he gained a strong reputation for nurturing – and in some cases introducing – brands such as ghd (good hair day), Goldsilk and Attwood & Sawyer into travel retail.

Dynamic and industrious, he retained a strong passion for brands and bringing new ideas to market, qualities that helped to establish him as a committed and dedicated entrepreneur.

In the past few years, Leśniak had acted as an agent for companies including Taoh and ProTecs Sanitising Solutions, the latter of which specialises in supplying sanitisation products such as disinfection misting tunnels and personal atomisers.

Up until recently, he was working with Honeywell to launch its specialist UV Cabin Treatment System into the UK market.

Co-owner and Joint Managing Director of TRBusiness Nigel Hardy, a close friend of Leśniak, commented: “George was a larger-than-life character with a heart to match and an even greater lust for life; always the perfect gentleman and the best of company. He was taken away from us far too early in such tragic circumstances. He fought to the end, like the true trooper he was. I will miss him greatly. However, the many memories of our happy times together will never fade. Rest in peace my dear friend.”

TRBusiness extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of George Leśniak.