AceShowbiz - Victoria Beckham has paid tribute to top British music executive Ray Cooper following the news of his death.

The industry veteran passed away in his sleep in Surrey, England on Saturday, July 28, aged 69. He had been suffering from Progressive Primary Aphasia, the same rare neurological condition Monty Python star Terry Jones is battling.

Cooper, who initially headed up Virgin Records UK before relocating to Los Angeles to serve as co-president of Virgin Records America, is credited with masterminding the marketing strategies for a host of top artists, including U2, the Rolling Stones, George Michael, Janet Jackson, and the Spice Girls, during a career spanning over four decades.

A former executive at labels like Anchor Records, Jet Records, and Island Records, he also worked on the music campaign for Oscar-winning movie Crash.

Former Spice Girls star Victoria was among the first to remember the marketing guru, releasing a statement which reads:

"I am saddened to hear of the passing of Ray Cooper."

"Ray's guidance, support, creative and marketing ideas from the very beginning were invaluable to the success of the Spice Girls. It was obvious to all who spent time with Ray that he was not only a favourite to his team, but also a favourite to artists and their managers. Ray had passion for life and his work and it showed in his many successes."

"I will be forever grateful to Ray Cooper. Ray - Rest In Peace."

Virgin Records founder Richard Branson also shared a few words about Cooper, branding him "an extraordinary delightful individual and an incredible talent," adding, "Virgin Records would never have grown into the music force it became without him. Much, much love to his family."