The Property Ombudsman (TPO) has announced, ‘with great sadness’, the passing of Gerry Fitzjohn, former chair of its board.
Fitzjohn began his career in estate agency in 1974 and went on to become national sales director at Countrywide as well as serve on the TPO board for 23 years, holding key roles including vice-chair and chair.
Over more than two decades of service, he worked alongside four different Ombudsmen – Christopher Hamer, Katrine Sporle, Lesley Horton and Rebecca Marsh – and played a pivotal role in several major developments at TPO.
His contributions included supporting the transition from voluntary to mandatory redress for agents, helping to establish a unitary TPO board, and guiding the evolution of TPO’s codes of practice.
Claire Bassett, TPO chair, said: “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.”
Michael Stoop, TPO’s current longest serving Board Member, commented: “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.”
Property commentator Henry Pryor took to social media to share his condolences: “Sorry to hear of the untimely death of Gerry Fitzjohn. A patient, kind and thoughtful man and friend to many. Many years as national sales director at Countrywide and latterly chairman of TPO. My condolences to Robert and to his family.”
This article focuses on the great work that Gerry did during his time with TPO. Rightly so.
But for hundreds of estate agents across the country, he will forever be remembered for his inspirational leadership of Taylors then Hambro Countrywide plc and then Countrywide plc. We also remember Gerry’s unique and pioneering role in the creation of Rightmove plc.
His achievements often went unnoticed in the wider world but those of us who were inside Countrywide at the time know that we would not have become the market dominating business that we did without Gerry. Our working lives were enriched in so many ways by being on the same team as him.
God bless you mate.
May “The Estate Agents Estate Agent” Rest In Peace
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Gerry was a fierce competitor for many years and what an agent and leader he was. We later became good friends and I came to see another impressive side of the man. A true gentleman. And what an impressive career from Taylor’s to running the Countrywide ea network during its halcyon years.
RIP Gerry.
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Well said, Bob. I was fortunate to have first met Gerry back in 1980, and over the years our paths crossed on a number of occasions. I always found his advice sound, measured and focused. He was a natural leader — someone who held senior roles, but because he had earned the right to do so. Beyond business, we also shared a fondness for the island of Minorca, and I will always remember our conversations about it with great affection. He will be greatly missed.
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I echo Bob Scarff’s comments. I fondly remember a board meeting when Gerry turned to me and said, “Congrats on your recent cost cutting exercise, it’s good that you are focusing on this by not putting up any For Sale boards” Great man and sorely missed RIP.
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Really shocked by this. Gerry was such a doer and fun with it. He just got sh*t done whilst having a laugh. Spent well over a decade at TPO with him and he was one of the main reasons I turned up!! Clearly achieved a lot, much if it hidden and not shouted about. RIP mate.
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When Hambro Countrywide took the plunge into Conveyancing across all its branches in 1997, Gerry was hugely supportive to me and our team. Harry, Gerry and the other divisional directors ran a hugely impressive operation at that time.. Countrywide at its zenith!
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Had the opportunity to meet Gerry on a number of occasions whilst a humble Regional Manager at the once great Countrywide always willing to talk and listen and seemed a really genuine bloke. I was saddened to hear of his passing as it brought back some fond memories of my time there RIP.
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