Haymarket publishes PrintWeek and Harles worked on the title for a number of years.

Group procurement director Chris King paid tribute to Harles' contribution to the business.

He said: "Wolfgang was a production veteran at Haymarket, clocking up an impressive 25 years of service. He worked his way up through the ranks to become group production manager of our motoring titles, including responsibility for two of our biggest brands, What Car? and Autocar.

"Wolfie, as he was affectionately known, was great fun to work with, whether as a colleague or a supplier, maintaining a great sense of humour despite the many challenges of his day-to-day role in production. He will be sadly missed by his many colleagues at Haymarket and the trade alike and our thoughts are with his family at this sad and difficult time."

Harles is survived by his wife and two daughters. His funeral will take place at 2pm on Monday 23 March at West Middlesex crematorium, Hanworth.