Black Book said Friday that Robert Burnett, former president and chairman of the National Auto Research (publisher of the Black Book vehicle appraisal guides), died April 3 at his home in Sarasota, Fla., at the age of 81.

Black Book is part of the Business Media group of companies at Hearst. In a news release, Hearst president and chief executive officer Steven Swartz said: “Bob’s leadership of our automotive research businesses contributed greatly to the success of today’s growing Hearst Transportation franchise. We express our gratitude and sympathy to his family at this time of loss.”

Hearst executive vice chairman and former CEO Frank Bennack Jr. said: ““Little did we know when we acquired NAR decades ago that that company would turn out to be such a significant contributor to the continued success and growth of Hearst’s Transportation group.

“Bob played an important part in that success, and we are grateful for his service and offer sincere condolences to his family and his NAR associates. He will be missed.”

Burnett’s auto industry career began in 1962 at a local dealership, where he climbed the ranks from auction buyer to used-car manager, eventually becoming part owner.

He would open Bob Burnett Ford in 1977, and joined Black Book in 1979 as business manager. Burnett would soon become vice president and controller.

After Hearst acquired Black Book from Cox Broadcasting Corporation in 1980, he became executive vice president. Burnett became Black Book’s president in 1993, then became chairman in 2007 before retiring in 2008.

He was named to the National Auto Auction Association Hall of Fame in 1999.

“Bob was a larger-than-life personality and a legend in the automobile dealer and auction industry,” said Tom Cross, who is the president and group head of Hearst Transportation. “I’m a better person for having worked with Bob. I learned so much from him and will miss him.”