Insurer duo elected as City Sheriffs

Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley and Alderman Bronek Masojada were elected as the next Sheriffs of the City of London at the City’s Common Hall held in the Guildhall on Monday.

Both are prominent members of the Worshipful Company of Insurers (WCI).

Dame Sue Langley was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in the recent Honours List and Bronek Masojada served the Company as Master in 2013-14.

Master Nick Dunlop said it was a very proud moment for the WCI:

“Congratulations to Dame Susan and to Bronek.

“We are delighted that two of our most distinguished members have been elected as Sheriffs and know that they will make a huge positive contribution to the work of the City. With fellow Insurer Nicholas Lyons as Lord Mayor this year it really does show how our Company’s clear focus on promoting the City Civic is being delivered.

“We look forward to actively supporting our Insurer duo during their year in office.”

Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley is Non-Executive Chair of Gallagher UK, and Senior Independent Director of UKAR. She has held several senior roles at the Home Office, Macmillan Cancer Support, and the Department for International Trade. She was Executive Director North America and Market Development for Lloyd's of London, Director of Lloyd’s Asia, and Chairman of Lloyd’s Japan.

“Being Sheriff is a huge opportunity to support the City of London’s residents and businesses and ensure it’s open and accessible for all”, said Dame Susan.

“I’m looking forward to working with our partners to ensure the Square Mile remains not only the world’s leading financial hub, but also a sustainable City with social mobility at its core.”

Alderman Bronek Masojada is Chair at the East End Community Foundation. Beginning his career with management consultants, McKinsey & Company,

He worked for 21 years as Chief Executive Hiscox Insurance, also holding numerous industry roles, including as Deputy Chair of Lloyd’s, the board of the Association of British Insurers, and Pool Re.

Following the election Bronek Masojada said: “I believe that a strong City, with good regulation and a sound legal system, is critical to the success of its residents, workers, and businesses.

“As Sheriff I will promote our City effectively – both at home and abroad – and help enhance the vibrancy of the Square Mile by supporting our Destination City ambitions and promoting the City as a place for the ambitious and talented.”

• They will take office on 28 September, holding the position for one year.

The office of Sheriff, a pre-requisite to becoming Lord Mayor of the City of London, is one of the oldest in existence and dates back to the Middle Ages.

The Sheriffs’ modern-day duties include supporting the Lord Mayor in his or her civic duties and serving, both at home and abroad, as ambassadors for the UK-based financial and professional services industry by promoting the UK as a place in which to do business. They also work to promote the work of the Judges of the Old Bailey and the rule of law.

The Sheriffs of the City of London play a key role in supporting His Majesty’s Judges at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey), by promoting the importance of the English rule of law to businesses, schools, diplomats, charities, the City Livery, and leading arts figures.

• Picture courtesy of the City of London Corporation