Mohammad Ramzan, Chairman of United Wholesale Grocers, passes

Mohammad Ramzan, chairman of United Wholesale Grocers Limited, passed away at his residence in Pakistan early Wednesday morning (27 September).

Ramzan, born 1957, is survived by his wife, four children and nine grandchildren.

Ramzan was the founder of one of the UK`s leading Cash & Carry operators and one of the largest privately owned companies In the UK.

"He will be remembered for his astute business acumen and philanthropic qualities, along with his charitable work that he did throughout the UK and also in his homeland of Pakistan. He never faltered in his passion and desire to help others and his endeavours will be sadly missed by all," United Wholesale Grocers said in a statement,

Trade bodies paid heartfelt tribute to Ramzan.

“I have known Mr. Ramzan since I first moved to Scotland, from Kent in March 1988, and it is with great sadness and regret that we have been informed of his passing," Pete Cheema, SGF chief executive, said.

“He was a pillar of our industry and a great support to everyone who knew him. Very few had his depth of experience of our trade, opening his first grocery store 1975 and building that into one of the leading wholesalers in the UK. He helped shape the wholesale and convenience sectors in Scotland into what it is today.

“We are all deeply saddened by the loss, and our deepest condolences and thoughts go out to his wife, children and family.”

John Kinney, Unitas MD said: “Mr Ramzan has been instrumental in the growth of United Wholesale Grocers. He will be sadly missed, and we would like to pass on our deepest condolences to the Ramzan family and all their colleagues”