BEVERLEY WARNER, formerly senior procurement manager with the Royal Mail Group and Royal Mail Centre, has died at the age of just 46 years. She leaves a school-age son, Oliver.
A regular contributor at industry conferences and seminars, Beverley gave up many hours of her time to act as a Business Travel Awards judge.
Mike Toynbee, managing editor of Buying Business Travel and chairman of the Business Travel Awards’ judging panel, said: “Beverley was a true professional, whose knowledge and understanding of the industry was exceptional, providing her with the qualifications to make an outstanding judge.
“The business travel community has lost not only a key player, but also a good friend.”
Caroline Allen, ACTE regional director, said: “Beverley was highly respected and well-liked in the industry, and anyone who came across her professionally warmed to her easily.
“She was a consummate professional and an outstanding sales individual, achieving considerable success during her career with CWT, American Express and Rosenbluth.
“Her sudden and tragic death is a great loss, and she will be deeply missed.”
Tom Stone, founder and managing director of travel management consultancy Sirius, was a colleague and close friend. Paying tribute to her “trademark tenacity, determination and ever-present cheerfulness”, he said: “Bev was simply one of those rare people who could lift the mood of a group, whose personality entered the room before she did, whose smile and sense of humour was guaranteed to win her an extensive web of colleagues in the industry and the love of friends that knew her. “The world is a duller, greyer place today without her.”
A memorial service is to be held in early December – for details contact [email protected]