Scottish Friendly has announced the death of chief executive Jim Galbraith.
A statement read that for more than 30 years, he was at the heart of the society’s journey and led with wisdom, focus, purpose and ambition.
It added that his presence, dry humour and friendship will be sorely missed by everyone at Scottish Friendly.
Galbraith joined in 1988, becoming boss in January 2017.
Prior to this, he was appointed Scottish Friendly's deputy chief executive in 2009 having previously been director of strategy and appointed actuary.
He was appointed to the board as an executive director in April 2006.
Galbraith was also a director of subsidiaries Scottish Friendly Asset Managers, Scottish Friendly Insurance Services and Scottish Friendly Trustees.
Prior to joining Scottish Friendly, he worked in IT and in marketing for Scottish Life, where he qualified as an actuary.
Galbraith graduated in Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics from Heriot Watt University and went on to obtain an MBA from the University of Warwick in 1993.
The board has appointed Martin Pringle into the role of acting chief executive.
Pringle commented: "This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone in Scottish Friendly - Jim led this historic organisation with passion and vision, and he will be greatly missed by everyone.
"No one wants to take on an organisation in such circumstances but, having worked closely with Jim over the years, together with everyone in Scottish Friendly I will continue to take the society forward and ensure that Jim Galbraith would be proud of us all."
Neil Lovatt, commercial director of Scottish Friendly, commented: "We were lucky to have him in our life office - he believed fundamentally in the mutual ethos of Scottish Friendly and had a keen sense of its heritage and historic mission.
"To that end he built an incredibly deep and strong team committed to our vision and dedicated to continuing Scottish Friendly’s successful strategy.
"It is for us, the employees of Scottish Friendly, to honour his faith in us and continue to deliver for our current and future members."
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