Haberdasher Liveryman William Russell, Lord Mayor Elect, was sworn into office on Friday 8th November. The Show finished the job by carrying him to Westminster to swear loyalty to the Crown.

With over thirty years’ experience in the financial and business City, including holding senior positions in the national and international banking sector, William started his career with First Boston before joining Merrill Lynch as an Investment Banker. He is currently Chair of CDAM, a London based Asset Management business and Senior Advisor to STJ Advisors.

William is on the Board of Innovate Finance, the industry body for the UK Fintech community. An educational entrepreneur, he is Co-Founder of Knightsbridge School and a Director of Knightsbridge School International. William is also a Director of Congham Hall Hotel and Red Savannah Travel.

His many charitable interests include the Guildhall School of Music and Drama; the Royal Theatrical Support Trust; Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity; Charterhouse and Morden College.

William will be the fifth member of his family to be Lord Mayor in the past 110 years. His grandfather, Sir Ian Bowater, was Lord Mayor from 1969 - 1970 and his great grandfather, Sir Frank Bowater, from 1938 - 1939.

Left: William with his wife Hilary outside Mansion House

To read more about William and his year ahead, please click below: