The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has awarded its most prestigious accolade, the Lifetime Achievement Award, to Savills director Julian Lyon, recognising his exceptional career spanning more than 40 years. The prize honours individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional excellence, integrity, and a lasting impact on both the surveying profession and the wider community. The ceremony was held on 16 October 2025 at London Hilton on Park Lane with over 500 members of the industry present.
Julian began his real estate career in 1983 and has since worked across multiple specialisms including building surveying, investment, valuation, consulting, and occupier advisory on both the consultancy and client sides. His work has left a meaningful imprint across the industry, marked by innovation, ethical leadership, and mentorship.
Currently a Senior Director at Savills, Julian leads the EMEA Occupier Strategic Advisory Services team, which he has grown from four to thirteen people in just three years. His leadership reflects Savills commitment to excellence, client service, and developing future talent in the property sector.
Having worked in several countries, Julian first ran Henry Butcher’s office in Warsaw (which became CBRE) from 1991 and then established Colliers’ Warsaw office in 1997. He moved to General Motors in 1998 as Manager of European Real Estate before joining Savills in 2015 to lead the Occupier Services department.
Julian completed an MBA with distinction in 2005, focusing on the topic “Lease vs Own.” As a respected thought leader, he has featured in the RICS Journal, Estates Gazette, and Property Week, and co-authored the 2020 Code for Leasing Business Premises, promoting greater fairness for tenants.
Further to this, Julian also served as Chair of the CBI Property Group and Chairman of the RICS Corporate Occupier Group, where he has played a key role in developing the Corporate Real Estate APC pathway, now widely adopted by industry graduates.
Julian said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the RICS Lifetime Achievement Award and to be recognised alongside industry leaders. I would like to thank RICS, my colleagues at Savills and all of our clients for their consistent support and role in this accomplishment.”
Jeremy Bates, EMEA Head of Occupational Markets at Savills, comments: “On behalf of all of us at Savills, we want to congratulate Julian on this very well-deserved recognition. His contribution to the industry is outstanding and he has made such a significant impact on both the business and clients.”
Richard Rees, Managing Director, Savills UK, says: “Julian’s recognition at the RICS Awards is a fitting tribute to a career defined by purpose and impact. His achievements reflect his personal and Savills values of leadership, professionalism, and long-term contribution to the built environment.”