Appointed to lead PICAS in 2012 when the service was first set up, Vickers worked to help pub companies and their tenants and lessees resolve non-rent related disputes. PICAS was created to support self-regulation in the pub industry and to complement the existing Pubs Independent Rent Review Scheme (PIRRS), which focuses on resolving rent-based disagreements.
Before becoming chair of the PICAS, Vickers had a long career as a chartered surveyor at firm Brownhill Vickers, looking after licensed properties.
He was also a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, an associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and vice-president and a fellow of the Association of Valuers of Licensed Property.
More than 40 years in the industry
Pub consultant Phil Dixon said: “Rodger was one of the finest human beings I have ever met. He had worked in the pub sector for more than 40 years. I worked with him at PICAS and PIRRS, and he was dedicated to making the industry a better place for publicans.”
Tony Payne, former chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Association, said: “I first met Rodger in the late '70s. I worked very closely with him on the Route Map for Success in the Licensed Trade, which went into a lot of detail for people coming into the trade and for existing people in the trade to help them to write their business plans.
"It's important to say we weren't always on the same side. I worked with and against him at times, he was an honest and decent person on both sides of the fence.
“Rodger was an honest gentleman that could be trusted by all. He was someone who was always available to discuss things and talk them though.
“He was always very fair and that was the most important thing for trade. I held him in high esteem and he was well respected in the trade.”
Paul Newby, pubs code adjudicator, said: "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Rodgers premature passing, and first and foremost our thoughts must go to his wife Jenny and the Vickers family. As a fellow chartered surveyor I have known and admired Rodger for many years, and we worked together on the original drafting of the PIRRS for pub rent disputes. Rodger was a highly conscientious and fair minded professional and as an individual a true gentleman. He will be much missed by many."
Vickers leaves a wife and two sons.