ONE of Birmingham’s leading commercial property figures is retiring after 38 years with the same company.
Geoff Thomas, regional chairman with real estate advisors DTZ’s Midlands and South West operations, is stepping down at the end of December.
Mr Thomas will continue working for the business in a part-time consultancy basis.
He said: “I have been very fortunate to have played a part in the exciting evolution of DTZ and it has been extremely rewarding to see how the business has grown and developed into one of the leading property advisory firms in the world.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as regional chairman for the last 13 years but feel now is the right time to hand over the reins.”
Born in Zimbabwe, Mr Thomas first came to the UK in 1968 to study physics at the University of Birmingham and has lived in the city ever since.
He began a career in accountancy before deciding to switch over to property.
Mr Thomas joined DTZ in 1972 when it was then called Chesshire Gibson & Company, in Birmingham, and was made a partner in 1982.
Six years later the 200-year-old company merged with Debenham Tewson before becoming DTZ in 1993.
In 1997, he was appointed regional chairman for the Midlands and the position was extended to encompass the firm’s Midlands and South West region in 2002.
He has been involved in the development of several well known Birmingham city centre buildings including Victoria Square House, the Wesleyan building, Calthorpe House and No.1 Colmore Square where DTZ is currently based.
More recently, he advised solicitors Wragge & Co on the acquisition of Two Snow Hill, the largest ever pre-let agreement in the city centre, and the redevelopment of New Street station.
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