Philadelphia Phillies chairman David Montgomery is dead at age 72 from cancer, the team announced Wednesday.

Montgomery had surgery in 2014 for jawbone cancer.

Montgomery began his career with the team in 1971, working in the ticket office and helping to run the scoreboard.

"David was truly a great man," Phillies chairman emeritus Bill Giles said in a statement. "David was a big reason why the Phillies won 12 division championships, five National League championships and two World Series championships in that time. He was a fierce competitor in everything he did, including his battle to fight his illness. He will be tremendously missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him."

He was promoted to president and general partner in 1997 and, after returning from his surgery in 2015, was named chairman.

Montgomery played a leading role in the team's transition from Veterans Stadium to Citizens Bank Park in 2004.