One of the founders of South East and Thames Valley specialist Vail Williams, John Vail has died aged 75.
Vail passed away peacefully on 22 March following a 41-year career in property.
In 1987 the residential arm of his company Lionel Vail was sold to the Halifax Building Society. The commercial arm continued to trade on its own account until it merged in January 1988 with Pearson Williams to form Vail Williams.
Prior, Vail had worked at Savills and agricultural surveyors Austin & Wyatt.
Ian Rudland, chief executive of Vail Williams, said: “During the 1970s and 1980s, south Hampshire saw tremendous growth. John Vail’s particular expertise was industrial and office development and the firm became synonymous with many of the major development projects that took place in the region. John had tremendous vision and was instrumental in bringing forward the development of major projects, including Solent Business Park and Ocean Village.”
In recognition of his contribution to the real estate industry, John was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Southampton in 1997.
Rudland added: “It has been a privilege for me to lead Vail Williams but in particular to follow in John’s footsteps, a man I hugely admired and held in great esteem.
“We were deeply saddened to hear of his recent death, and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Joanna.Bourke@estatesgazette.com
