Robert Irving Burns founder Geoffrey Burns dies

OBITUARY Geoffrey Burns, a founding partner of agency Robert Irving Burns, has died at the age of 88. In a statement, the firm said it was “difficult to overstate” the impact that Burns and co-founders Howard Brecker and Robin Serlin had when they established the company in 1962. “Geoffrey was a much-loved character around the office and the font of all professional knowledge,” the firm said. “Geoffrey led the professional side of the business with an expertise around valuation, landlord and tenant matters and property management. He mentored a good many future leaders, including our very own Damien Field, who first met Geoffrey in 1989 when he joined the firm as a junior before succeeding to partnership and ownership.” The firm said Burns was “often at the forefront of office humour”, adding that “his fervent support of Chelsea FC was the cause of much banter and friendly rivalry”. Industry peers have paid tribute on social media. Neil Sinclair, chairman of Pristine Capital, remembered Burns as “a terrific guy” and spoke of his bravery in setting up the firm, when he “took the plunge and set a great example”. Anthony Lorenz, senior partner at the Lorenz Consultancy, said Burns was “a lovely and talented man” who “knew every building and was a mine of information”.