SIR MARTIN LAING CBE (18/1/1942 – 27/12/2023)
Saturday December 30, 2023 in News
Sir Martin Laing CBE passed away peacefully in hospital in Malta on December 27, 2023 following a short illness. He had only recently retired as Chair of the John Laing Charitable Trust (JLCT) after more than three decades at the helm, marshalling millions of pounds of charitable donations supporting people in need around the world. The Trust was born out of the John Laing Group of companies, set up by his grandfather, Sir John Laing and which Sir Martin chaired from 1985 until 2002, delivering landmark construction and investment projects including the Second Severn Crossing and many airports, schools, roads and hospitals. Among his many appointments, Sir Martin also served as Chair of the British Overseas Trade Board (BOTB) from 1995 – 1999. He was appointed Chair of WWF UK from 1990 – 1997, and caring for the environment remained his enduring interest, along with the welfare of the Laing retired employees. In retirement he focused on charitable works, which had been a feature of most of his life. As well as personal giving and his work on JLCT he was Chair of the Save The Valletta Skyline Appeal and supported many more causes through The Martin Laing Foundation. Sir Martin Laing CBE He will be especially missed by Stephanie, his wife of 58 years, children Edward and Alexandra, his five grandchildren, friends and many thousands of others to whose lives he made a real difference through his many corporate and charitable activities.