UK-based engineering and technical recruitment firm RTC Group (AIM: RTC.L) announced that its founder and chairman, Bill Douie, has died suddenly.

Andy Pendlebury, chief executive, said, "It is with a very heavy heart that I am announcing the sudden death of Bill Douie, chairman of RTC Group Plc.”

Douie joined with Clive Chapman in 1992 to purchase ‘an ailing’ ATA Selection business which subsequently became the RTC Group of today and Douie remained executive chairman until his sudden death.

Pendlebury said, “Bill and I worked together on the board of RTC Group for the last 16 years. Bill was a highly intellectual man with a passion for business and an immense knowledge of both global and domestic affairs.”

“His insights, support, and guidance have been invaluable to me as chief executive,” Pendlebury continued. “His sense of humour and warmth as an individual have proved invaluable to me on a personal level. Bill has been a pleasure to work with he will be sorely missed."

The company said further announcements will be made as required.