Geoff Polites, chief executive officer of Jaguar Land Rover, has died. Polites had been battling with cancer and returned to his home country of Australia shortly before his death.

"Geoff's untimely passing robs his family and friends of a man who was a real inspiration to us all," said Alan Mulally, Ford's president and chief executive officer.

Polites steered Jaguar Land Rover through some rough waters after taking charge in 2005. His team returned the business to profitability and negotiated the recent sale to Tata Motors.

Polites held numerous positions within Ford prior to his appointment as CEO in 2005, including vice president, marketing, sales and service, and vice president European sales staff, Ford of Europe. From 1999 to 2004 he was president of Ford Australia.

Lewis Booth, executive vice president for Ford in Europe, said: "For many of us at Ford and Jaguar Land Rover, we've lost not just a respected colleague but a great friend.

"Geoff was always someone to look up to throughout his almost 40-year career in the automotive industry. His passion for the car business was legend, but the resolve he showed since taking over as CEO of Jaguar Land Rover in 2005 was something very special."

Top Gear would like to extend its condolences to Geoff's family and friends.