Former chairman of construction firm Laing, and first president of CBI, died last week

Sir Maurice Laing, a former chairman of the construction firm, died last Friday at the age of 90.

He was the first president of the Confederation of British Industry and received knighthood for his work in 1965.

His father, Sir John who founded the company, handed over management responsibilities to his two sons in 1945. Maurice Laing was appointed deputy chairman to his brother Kirby in 1966. He was promoted to chairman in 1976 and held the post until retirement in 1982. In 1988 he was appointed life president of the company.

Maurice Laing was responsible for the company’s UK business. Under his leadership Laing secured major projects such as the rebuilding of Coventry cathedral, nuclear power stations and London Central Mosque at Regent’s Park.

In 1963, Maurice Laing was appointed director of the Bank of England and served for 17 years.