David Enthoven, Robbie Williams’ manager and co-founder of ie:music, has died aged 72. Williams (seen at right with Enthoven) paid tribute to “my friend, mentor and hero” on Twitter.

Enthoven has been working with Williams since 1996. He founded E.G. Records in 1969, working with King Crimson and Roxy Music. In 1992, Enthoven launched management firm ie:music alongside business partner Tim Clark, and has since helped broker 360 deals for Williams and Sia (who is now managed by Jonathan Daniel). U.K. tabloid The Mirror reports he died days after being diagnosed with liver cancer.

A statement from the U.K.’s Music Managers Forum reads: "We are very sad that long time manager and MMF supporter David Enthoven has passed away today after a short illness. David will be remembered as a true friend, an exemplary colleague, a helpful mentor and a truly exceptional human being.”

Stephen Budd, MMF co-chair, described Enthoven as “one of the greatest ever, an important mentor to many, a giant of a man and a friend.”

“Big Dave was one of the loveliest, warmest, kindest, smartest people I've ever met in the music business, and a lot of us are going to miss him terribly,” noted critic and author Barney Hoskyns wrote in a Facebook tribute. “It was a joy to know you, man. My heart bleeds for all your loved ones.”