Tributes have been paid to the founder and chief executive of Aesop, Tim Joss, who died in a road accident as he was cycling.

Joss launched Aesop, an Arts enterprise with a social purpose, in July 2014. Joss’s widow described him as a “pioneer” and a “leader”.

Aesop has gone on to explore evidence-based arts solutions to society’s problems.

He also founded several other national organisations including the Bath Literature Festival, National Numeracy and the Arts Impact Fund, the first arts-specific social investment fund.

Chair of Aesop, Kevin Fenton, said he, the other trustees and the staff, were devasted by the news.

He added: “We are so very sorry to lose our wonderful colleague and friend Tim. It was a privilege to work closely with him to realise ambitions of Aesop over many years. We will deeply miss his advocacy, passion and commitment to creative health.”

Joss’s vision was of a future when arts solutions are valued and available for all who need them.

His widow, science writer and broadcaster Vivienne Parry, a former trustee of Aesop, said: “He was a pioneer, a leader and deeply proud of his team, board and dance artists, using evidenced arts interventions for health problems… We loved each other deeply. I am utterly bereft.”