Martin Coyne became only the second ever group chief executive of the UK plant giant when he was promoted to the position in 1992.

He first joined JCB from Ford in 1975 to become Purchasing Director.

Six years later he became managing director of JCB Service before, in 1989, moving on to be take JCB into the mini excavator market as managing director of JCB Hydrapower in Rugeley.

He also held the position of managing director at JCB-SCM in Uttoxeter, JCB’s former joint-venture excavator manufacturing business.

Martin, formerly of Uttoxeter and latterly of Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, retired from the Group Chief Executive’s role in 1997. He died yesterday (April 6th) at The Priory Hospital in Birmingham.

JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford paid tribute to his contribution to the company. He said: “Martin made an enormous contribution to the success of JCB over many years and will be sadly missed.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Maureen and children Charles and Sarah at this very sad time.”