Jon Ladd, chief operating officer of the Urban Land Institute for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI) passed away on 4 January after a brief illness, ULI said in a statement late on Monday. He was 45.

Ladd joined ULI a year ago and was responsible for facilitating the development and implementation of ULI initiatives, providing a link between members, resources and opportunities in international markets. Before joining ULI, he was chief executive of the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA).

'Jon leaves a huge void in the ULI team,' said ULI EMEAI president Bill Kistler. 'We will greatly miss his astounding energy, quick wit and his ability to meet even the most exacting deadlines. In addition to his management guidance, Jon was exceptionally generous in giving his time and good advice as both a colleague and a friend.'