Mark Sebba death: Former Net-a-Porter CEO dies aged 69

'Mark was one-of-a-kind; the most terrific man and a true leader in every sense of the word'

The former chief executive office of Net-a-Porter, Mark Sebba, has died aged 69, a family spokesperson has revealed.

Sebba suffered a heart attack on Monday at his home in Crete, Greece.

The popular CEO retired from his role in 2014, having been chief executive of the Net-a-Porter group since 2003.

The company said in a statement: “He will be remembered by all of his colleagues and anyone whose life he touched as the very best of men.”

Before becoming CEO of the company, Sebba worked as Net-a-Porter’s chief operating officer, and prior to joining the company he worked as an investment banker in London and New York, then took on roles as finance director in upcoming media and technology businesses.

In 2014, Sebba - alongside Massenet -won the Fashion Retailing Personality of the Year award at the Drapers awards, and he was a great supporter of aspiring talent.

After retiring and leaving Net-a-Porter, Sebba continued to champion entrepreneurial businesses and became chairman of fresh flower supplier Flowerbx.

Upon retiring, Sebba’s 11 years at the helm of Net-a-Porter were celebrated by the company’s founder Natalie Massenet and his team in a moving tribute performance and flash mob - captured on video - which declared him the most loved CEO in the world.

The clip now has 1.3 million views on YouTube.

At the time, Massenet called Sebba her “greatest ally” and a “true partner,” describing him as “a man of incredible integrity, wisdom and strength.”

She continued: “Not only has he grown our business exponentially and healthily and guided us through our sale to Richemont — he has also brought calm and confidence to the core of our group.”

Massenet also wrote a tribute on her Instagram last night, revealing her shock and heartbreak at the news of his death.

“Mark was one-of-a-kind; the most terrific man and a true leader in every sense of the word,” said Whitney Bromberg Hawkings, CEO and co-founder of Flowerbx.

“He guided me and the team at Flowerbx with integrity, discipline and grace. He was always fair. When Mark spoke, we listened and it was a privilege to know him, work with him and count him as a mentor, an ally and a friend. My heart is broken for his family, for me and for the world who has lost a truly magnificent man.”

Sebba is survived by his wife, the author and historian Anne Sebba, their three children Adam, Amy and Imogen and five grandchildren.