Former WA Newspapers director and Transfield Services director Mel Ward has died.
Transfield Services released a statement earlier today announcing Mr Ward's death.
Mr Ward, a non-executive director of Transfield and Officer of the Order of Australia, was appointed in March 2001 before the company was listed on the Australian stock exchange.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mel Ward," chairman Anthony Shepherd said in a statement.
"He was a major contributor to the establishment and development of Transfield Services as a respected public company.
"His dedication to the Australian business community and to the arts has been immense.
"Mel was a true gentleman, a man of integrity, and will be greatly missed."
Mr Ward retired as a director of Coca-Cola Amatil in August 2008 and as a director of West Australian Newspapers Limited in December 2008.
He was formerly a director of Telecom.