London property investor, philanthropist and former JC chairman Peter Levy OBE has died. 

A statement released by the property company he founded, Shaftesbury, on Monday announced his death following a “short illness”. 

Mr Levy was a patron of the Jewish Policy Research institute since the 1980s, becoming the organisation’s chairman in 1992. 

But he was also involved with many other Jewish organisations, including Reform Judaism, the Jewish Youth Fund, and the European Association for Jewish Culture.  

In 1984 Peter succeeded his father Joseph Levy CBE as chairman of the Cystic Fibrosis Research Council. It was his work fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis research that earnt him an OBE. 

JPR reacted to the news of his death with “enormous sadness”, adding: “Peter will be remembered by all of us at JPR with warmth and affection as a very supportive, modest, courteous and private man of great integrity and deeply held beliefs and generosity of spirit.  

“We send our sincere condolences to his wife Colette, his children and grandchildren.” 

Mr Levy established Shaftesbury PLC in 1986 with members of his family and an initial investment of £10 million. The company was floated on the stock market the following year, and at the time of Mr Levy’s retirement in 2004 was worth over £530 million, according to a report at the time. 

Under his stewardship, Shaftesbury acquired a portfolio of property in London’s West End, including Carnaby Street, Chinatown and Covent Garden. 

Brian Bickell, Shaftesbury’s current chief executive, said: “Shaftesbury's reputation, culture and values owe much to Peter's foresight and commitment in the formative years of the business.  

“He will be greatly missed not only by his family but all those who were fortunate to know him and work alongside him.” 

Mr Levy was chairman of the JC for five years, stepping down in 2009.