Christopher Jonas, managing partner of Drivers Jonas from 1982 to 1987 and senior partner from 1987 to 1995, has welcomed the merger between the 284-year old firm and global professional services consultancy Deloitte.
Jonas said: “I have the highest regard for Nick Shepherd as leader of the firm – and incidentally as one of the best practitioners of his generation. I am very confident about his judgement of what is best for the firm and its clients.
“Deloitte is one of the great global brands in business services; with this move its clients gain access to some of the best property advisers available today.
“For its part, Drivers Jonas will have much wider opportunities for achieving its full potential within the Deloitte environment.
“It is now exactly 15 years since I left the firm. In that time it has developed strongly within the independent strategy set in those days. In a changed environment this move establishes the firm at the forefront of best practice in the supply of real estate services.
“All those who have been part of the firm’s achievements over the years will congratulate Nick on this move and wish him and his colleagues the very best of good fortune in their new venture.”
Jonas, who was president of the RICS in 1992, left the firm in 1995 to establish a boutique practice as a real estate strategy adviser and independent chairman/director.
His present and past board positions include: Director, British Railways Board, Canary Wharf Group, Port of London and the original Bank of Scotland; chairman Henderson Global Property Companies Ltd and Goldsmiths, University of London. Adviser to Lazard & Co Ltd, Morgan Stanley, British Gas, Post Office, Royal Bank of Scotland, Citibank, Prince Al Waleed bin Talal and University of the Arts.
