The Property Ombudsman (TPO) has revealed ‘with great sadness’ that the former chairman of its board, Gerry Fitzjohn, has died.

Fitzjohn had a long career in estate agency starting in 1974 including  a long stint at Countrywide where he became a National Sales Director but also a board member of TPO.

He was later made Vice Chairman of TPO in 2010 and then, in 2018, being appointed as its Chairman while at the same time working as a property consultant.

During his time at TPO, Fitzpatrick worked with four different ombudsman (Christopher Hamer, Katrine Sporle, Lesley Horton and Rebecca Marsh) and provided valuable insight during the transition from voluntary to mandatory redress for agents and the forming of a unitary TPO Board, as well as the development of TPO’s valued Codes.

Its current Chair, Claire Bassett, has paid tribute: “Gerry was instrumental in the success of TPO and the organisation hugely benefited from his experience and wealth of knowledge.

“On behalf of the current and former Board members, and the entire TPO team, we send our deepest condolences to all of Gerry’s family and friends.”

‘Great man’

Michael Stoop, TPO’s current longest serving board member, adds: “Having worked with Gerry on the TPO board for over 20 years as a Director, Vice Chair and Non-Exec, his knowledge, leadership, coupled with his keen and naughty sense of humour, made Gerry what he was.

“The industry has lost a truly great man. I enjoyed his company immensely, both socially and in business.

“He always had a sense of real purpose and direction, calmness under pressure and above all, a moral compass not often found in our industry. He will be sorely missed by his many colleagues and above all, his wonderful family, of whom he was so proud.”

Henry Pryor has also passed on his condolences to Fitzjohn’s family, saying: “Sorry to hear of the untimely death of Gerry Fitzjohn. A patient, kind and thoughtful man and friend to many.”