Peter Fleiss, executive director emeritus for the Corporate Angel Network (CAN), has passed away at the age of 76.

“Peter was an effective leader for CAN and a valued friend,” says NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “His passing is a profound loss for the business aviation community. We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time, and to those with the organisation he led so effectively for 11 years.”

Fleiss led CAN until 2016. During his tenure, he grew CAN's member companies to include over 500 supporters, encompassing half of the Fortune 100, and the organisation celebrated its 50,000th patient flight.

Before joining CAN, Fleiss worked at Safe Flight Instrument Corporation, and in close collaboration with Safe Flight founder and CAN co-founder Leonard Greene.

“Peter was instrumental in developing CAN into the organisation it is today,” says CAN executive director Gina Russo in an April 6 release issued by the organisation. “His continued commitment to the mission was well known by patients and business aviation peers alike.”