JLL director Jean Godbert dies at 59

Jean Godbert, former head of Jones Lang LaSalle's lease advisory teams in the regions, passed away on Wednesday 22 May in East Cheshire Hospice after a long fight with cancer.

Godbert began her commercial property career at Lambert Smith Hampton in London, before moving to Manchester to take up a role at Dunlop Heywood.

She joined Jones Lang LaSalle in 2001 and for many years led the firm's regional lease advisory teams outside of London.

She was a major player in the regional and national property market with former roles including national chairman of Women in Property, chairman of the Junior Organisation of the Greater Manchester RICS and external examiner for Liverpool John Moores University.

She was also one of the North West's most senior arbitrators, having been appointed on a number of complex cases in recent years.

Julian Sandbach, director, lease advisory at Jones Lang LaSalle in Manchester, said: "Whilst Jean's passing is very sad it is also a relief for her from the long fight she has been having against cancer. On several occasions she seemed to have won the battle with her strength and determination, but ultimately she lost the war.

"Jean was at the forefront of her market for most of her professional career, being not only a local and regional player but also nationally recognised in the lease advisory sector; a position recognised by the number of messages of condolence received from surveyors across the country.

"Whilst she was not able to be in the office very often over the last year or so, she has always been a very important part of our team and was called on for her guidance and expertise.She will greatly missed by all her colleagues.

"Her husband, Robert passed away a few years ago. They leave children Kate, Jack and Guy and our thoughts are with them at this time."

Jean Godbert's funeral is due to be held on Friday 31 May at Saint Philips Church, Alderley Edge at 12.30pm.