Sir Robert Finch, the former chairman of Liberty International, has died aged 71.
Finch passed away in West Sussex last week after a short illness.
He established his name in the property industry at law firm Linklaters where he rose to become head of real estate.
Finch retired as partner in 2005, taking up a role as a consultant to become chairman at Liberty (now intu). He left in 2008 following its demerger from Capital & Counties and left his position at Linklaters in 2009 after 30 years with the firm.
Finch also served as lord mayor of London from 2003 to 2004 and was knighted in 2004 for services to the City of London.
Until March this year Finch was chairman of the Property Industry Alliance, which represents eight property bodies, and was succeeded by Bill Hughes, head of LGIM Real Assets.
Hughes said: “The Property Industry Alliance has been deeply saddened to hear this news. Sir Robert played a hugely important role in establishing and shaping the group, which is today a vital resource for many working in the real estate industry. He achieved much in his varied career, and this experience played a vital part in helping the PIA to grow in size and in influence.”
There will be a private family funeral in Bosham and a service of thanksgiving in London, details of which will be announced at a later date.
Finch was also chairman of the Royal Brompton Hospital and a fund has been established in his memory.
Donations may be made to the Sir Robert Finch Memorial Fund c/o The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity, Royal Brompton Hospital, SW3 6NP, or via www.rbhcharity.org.
Property industry pays tribute to Finch
Michael Cassidy, former policy chairman, Corporation of London
I first met Robert in the late 1980s when he had already established a formidable reputation as the “go-to” lawyer in the City for a certain type of specialist advice on commercial property to meet the new circumstances after “Big Bang” (the Thatcher revolution in how the City was regulated).
I was representing the UK’s biggest pension fund, the developer on a succession of sites across the Square Mile. Notably, Royal Mint Court, near Tower Bridge, which became a major site for Barclays Bank. Robert had done a lot of work for tenants moving into Broadgate and Canary Wharf and developed a deep understanding of the concept of “shell and core” lettings where the tenant received a financial package to undertake their own fitting out work. He gave Law Society lectures on the subject.
Coming through the profession the long way, he had served his time doing the dedicated hours and concentrated effort and I noticed in him a very special ability to turn things round overnight where necessary.
He led Linklater’s property team very effectively and had a big client following. To say his reputation was fearful is in fact a compliment but I was glad to be on the same side with him during that most exciting of times in City life.
I think I was responsible for introducing him to a second “career” when he became an alderman for the City of London, and I his deputy in the ward of Coleman Street.
He progressed through demanding duties (magistrate, sheriff, master of the Solicitors Company) to eventually become lord mayor. He undertook a full programme of international visits which is now an essential part of the role but also distinguished himself in campaigning for the new Commercial Court in Fetter Lane and led the move to bring Temple Bar to the forecourt at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Later, he took on the chairmanship of Brompton Hospital, which had some complex property issues that he dived straight into, in typical fashion. He also managed the process of succession to lord mayor of many of his successors with wise judgment and sensitivity. For all of which he thoroughly deserved the knighthood that followed his period at Mansion House.
His many hobbies, including sailing in the Solent, would have been an all too brief source of enjoyment in his retirement, so tragically cut short by his final illness. Patricia, his wife, was a magnificent cornerstone in his life, across all of its facets and his two daughters were a source of great pride to him as they ventured into family life themselves.
A giant of a man who has left his mark and will certainly be missed by us all.
Edward Hartill
The news is very sad indeed. Robert was one of the giants of the property industry. He attracted a huge number of clients many of whom had stature and influence.
He had great knowledge and aptitude and on behalf of these clients addressed a huge range of issues many of which were complex and leading edge. He became a magnet for people that needed help and became one of the highest property fee earners of all time.
He had a most successful year as lord mayor and fulfilled other voluntary duties in an exemplary fashion. It was my pleasure to work alongside him both within the industry and at Guildhall. I am sure there are many others in the same position as me. He will be missed.
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