Savills bosses have paid tribute to Raymond Kimball Clement, the company’s former managing director of hotels in Asia, who has died aged 44.
Clement, who held the post for eight years after joining Savills in 2012, died over the weekend. He is credited with playing a major role in the firm’s expansion in the region.
Former colleagues hailed his professional achievements this morning, but also spoke of having had close personal relationships with Clement, who was a popular figure at the firm.
George Nicholas, Savills’ global head of hotels, said: “This past weekend we lost a colleague, a leader, and a dear friend.
“I was fortunate to have had Ray as a business partner and friend for more than a decade spanning continents, and watched in admiration as he assembled and built one of Asia Pacific’s leading hotel advisory and transactions businesses.
“First and foremost a proud and loving father and husband, Ray was also a committed athlete.
“He was passionate about his adopted Australia, while at the same time proud of the America in which he grew up, and loved the richness and diversity of Asia where he made his home with his family for the past 13 years.
“We will miss his energy, humour and insight and will honour his legacy in the best way we can by continuing to serve his clients, who he called his friends.”
Christian Mancini, chief executive of Savills Asia ex China, added: “In moments like this, our thoughts are drawn away from Ray’s professional accomplishments, many though they were, and toward the vacuum created by the sudden loss of a comrade and friend.
“All of that will pale in comparison to the loss felt by his children, Jaxson and Harper, both now and in the years to come. I pray they come to learn of his legacy as a nuanced and complex man, possessed of a boundless imagination, fierce intellect, and, most of all, an unshakeable sense of loyalty to his family, his friends and his colleagues.
“He was a colleague of distinction and will be sorely missed in that regard. More than any of that, though, I will miss my friend.”
Clement is survived by his wife and two children. Details of a memorial service will be announced over the coming days.
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