Protea Hotels remembers late Allan Duke

"Allan was always a consummate professional and his knowledge of hotels and hospitality was legendary. He was a creative force behind building Protea to its current position of Africa's largest hotel group, and we are forever grateful for the knowledge and wisdom he injected into the company," Gillis said. "PHG sends deepest condolences to Allan's family."

Duke's career at PHG spanned more than 20 years and he was an integral part of growing the company from a small hotel management organisation to its present position as the largest Hotel Group in Africa, with more than 125 hotels.

Duke joined the company in 1986 as promotions manager, but a year later got actively involved in advertising the group's brand. This role evolved and Duke soon became Promotions and Advertising manager. In 1989 Duke was promoted to Marketing Services Manager and in 1994 assumed the role of Marketing Services Director - a position he held until his retirement in 2009.

A large portion of his life has been captured in the soon-to-be-published book, Protea Story.

Duke leaves his brother Anthony, sister-in-law Jollie and niece Lulu.