Tributes have been paid to a former boss of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) who died at the weekend.
Mandip Rai was chief executive of the inward investment body between 2016 and March 2022, having previously been its head of strategy and engagement.
The married father-of-two had been a well-liked and highly regarded member of the Leicester and Leicestershire business community.
Prior to joining the LLEP he had worked at Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, in economic development and regeneration roles, and in the mid-1990s worked as an inward investment executive at the Department for Trade and Industry.
Today LLEP chair and former Loughborough MP Andy Reed OBE said his thoughts and prayers were with Mr Rai’s family.
He said: “Mandip delivered much of the work done in establishing the LLEP before going on to grow its reach and impact as chief executive.
“He was a hugely valuable part of the LLEP team for many years and was greatly liked and admired by all who knew him.”
LLEP head Sue Tilley, who worked with Mr Rai for many years, said: “Mandip did so much for me and other LLEP colleagues.
“He was a great source of support and encouragement and we continue to work to his principles and vision.
“The team and I are all thinking of Mandip’s family at this very sad time.”
LLEP co-chair Anil Majithia said: “Mandip contributed a great deal to so much of the infrastructure and skills agenda we see in our region today.
“His career was spent bringing people together to achieve more for our area and his ability to do so successfully was testament to his approach and personality.
“Mandip was a kind and conscientious colleague to me and many others and I send my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”
East Midlands Chamber Chairman Kevin Harris – a former LLEP chair who launched its Economic Growth Strategy alongside Mr Rai in December 2021 – also paid tribute.
He said: “Mandip dedicated his working life to helping the growth and development of our city and county.
“Leicester and Leicestershire has much to thank him for, especially in terms of the part he played in helping secure investment for major developments which will benefit not only this generation but many to come.
“It was a delight to work with Mandip in my time as chair of the LLEP and I am grateful for the support and help he provided to me and many others.”
Narinder Singh Pooni, who worked with Mr Rai at the LLEP, said: "Mandip's loss will be felt by many people across the city and county, not just because of his immense contribution to the area over the years - but because of the kind of person he was.
"To me personally, as well as being my boss while I was at the LLEP, he was a friend, mentor and I saw him as an older brother.
"He was also so incredibly helpful and supportive, which helped me to become the person I am today, as well as many others from across the team.
"Mandip and I spoke just recently about what I was doing and my plans for the future, and as ever he was full of advice, guidance and support, because that's the kind of person he was - he was always looking out for us and wanted everyone to achieve their full potential.
"I, like so many others, owe him a massive debt of gratitude for everything he did for me, because I would not have been able to achieve what I have, without his help and encouragement.
"While Leicester and Leicestershire have lost a massive figure, the most tragic thing is that a young family has lost a dad and husband."
