There is no doubt John Kelly was a man of many accomplishments, both personal and professional. He touched the lives of family, friends, clients and team members with his goodness, grace, sincerity and remarkable insight.

John had a keen sense of focus and calm that few leaders possess. He could work through adversity and discord, solving the most challenging problems with a clear eye for the solution. This ability and his unflappable character won him respect and friendships with the most senior leaders in business, government and academia.

It was John who led the Bridge consultancy start-up. Within months, he had developed strong relationships with a major law firm, one of the largest global oil companies and a leading business school. People who met John invariably believed that he would be able to help them or their organisation - and without question that proved to be the case.

As Managing Partner of Ernst & Young consulting in the UK, he led his 1,000-strong practice to exceptional growth and profitability. John was also instrumental in leading portions of the significant merger and integration of Cap Gemini and Ernst & Young's consulting practices. Later at Cap Gemini, he designed, launched and successfully ran the Global Innovation and New Service Development Group. In addition, John had recently started to serve on the Board of the Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust as a Non-Executive Director. As one colleague put it, "Regardless of the challenge, John took into account the broader perspective of the total partnership instead of worrying only about the impact on his own area of responsibility."

Yet, despite all these extraordinary achievements, John put his family first. His three daughters, Sinead, Yvonne and Fiona were always in his heart. On one occasion, John found a note in his suitcase from one of his daughters and commented with delight to his colleagues. He was also known for sending his wife and daughters thoughtful text messages to check that they were safe and sound, just as if he were around the corner, even though he was half way around the globe.

He travelled and worked all over the world, and had a gift for bringing people of different cultures and backgrounds together in a way that produced a powerfully innovative team. Although Irish, John grew up in India, a country that remained close to his heart. His excitement about a trip to India earlier this year resonates throughout a recent email:

Gill and John enjoyed 33 years of marriage together. As John's work took him to Malaysia, the US and France, Gill and the family followed. Both he and Gill provided the stability and support that created an incredibly strong and cohesive family unit. The love within the Kelly family was there for everyone to see.

Colleagues shared that love and respect as well and it is reflected in this closing quote.