Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely has led the tributes to Nottingham-born businessman and philanthropist Marc Worth following his sudden death at the age of 61.

Mr Worth chaired UK Israel Business, the successor organisation to the British-Israel Chamber of Commerce, and initiated the hugely successful Tel Aviv in London and London in Tel Aviv projects in 2017 and 2019 respectively.

He founded WGSN (Worth Global Style Network) with his brother Julian in 1997, a business they sold in 2005. He subsequently established Stylus in 2010, which he led as chief executive until assuming the role of executive chairman last April.

In her tribute, Ms Hotovely said “Marc was a generous philanthropist who regularly gave his time and wisdom to strengthen the relationship between our two democracies.

“The state of Israel is extremely grateful for his years as chair of UK Israel Business and, of course, his Tel Aviv in London initiative that will long be remembered. “Marc was a true and close friend of the embassy, where his leadership will be much missed.”

Her deputy, Oren Marmorstein, said he was “deeply saddened” by the death of Mr Worth, “a personal friend”, describing him as “one of a kind in his support of Israel”.

Stylus CEO Victoria Rennie said everyone at the company was “completely shocked by this tragic news. Marc was an indomitable presence whose passion and humour will leave an indelible mark on our business and the industry for years to come. Many of us at Stylus have worked with Marc for decades and his loss will be felt sorely.”

Mr Worth was a member of Hampstead Synagogue. He was married twice, first to Hilda Worth, chair of the Conservative Friends of Israel and vice-chair of World Jewish Relief. They had four children - Patti, Max, Henry and Louis - and three grandchildren.

He is also survived by his second wife, Kelly, and his three stepchildren, Annabelle, Max and Sophie, together with his brother Julian and sister Erica.