Charles Bowman: elected as the next Lord Mayor of the City of London

Lord Mayor of the City of London

Charles Bowman was elected as the next Lord Mayor of the City of London on the 10th November 2017.

As the elected head of the City of London Corporation, as well as an Alderman and a senior partner with PwC, he will serve as a global ambassador for the UK-based financial and professional services industry for a one year term.

He succeeded Dr Andrew Parmley and has become the 690th person to hold the position.

He took office after the Silent Ceremony on Friday 10 November at Guildhall, in the heart of the Square Mile, was shown to the people at the annual Lord Mayor’s Show which took place on Saturday 11 November. The Lord Mayor’s Banquet then followed on Monday 13 November at Guildhall where the Prime Minister also gave a keynote speech.

The Lord Mayor acts as a spokesperson for the City, including leading overseas business delegations to key international markets on behalf of the UK’s financial and professional services industry.

 

In the role he will meet government representatives from around the world, alongside business leaders and policy makers both at home and abroad. He will look to strengthen economic ties with the UK, identify new business opportunities and reassure them that the UK is a top global destination for foreign investment.

During the year The Lord Mayor will look to promote his ‘Business of Trust’ agenda. This will aim to build a more trustworthy financial and professional services sector. The programme is underpinned by research, including citizens’ juries held across the UK, the development of guiding principles for business and the convening of a leaders of tomorrow group made up of financial and professional service representatives. It will challenge and encourage City businesses to connect with their communities, operate responsibly with integrity and have a positive impact on society and the environment.

The ‘Business of Trust’ programme will officially launch later in November.

Charles Bowman said:

“The City of London is a national asset for the UK, accounting for billions of pounds in revenue and taxes and creating millions of jobs across the UK. It is also a unique, cultural and diverse institution and it will be an honour to become the 690th Lord Mayor. I am immensely looking forward to taking office later this year.

“During my mayoralty I will champion a Brexit that works for City firms and communities and I will be speaking to Government regularly to ensure this happens. We are clear that we want to see mutual access to EU markets continue, ensure early agreement on a transitional deal and make sure we continue to allow the brightest and best to find jobs in the UK.

“We also need to do more to demonstrate the value and integrity of the City to the public. During my year in office, through the ‘Business of Trust’ programme, I will be challenging business to raise its game – better business trusted by society. All too often business is scored poorly when the public is asked about its role in society. I will look to develop a progressive and lasting legacy to help the City tackle this issue over the coming years.”

Charles Bowman’s Biography

  • Charles joined PwC in September 1983, qualified as a chartered accountant in 1986 and was admitted to partnership in 1995. His main area of specialism has been delivering audit and capital market transaction services to large listed and multi-national companies.
  • Partnership roles have included setting up and leading PwC’s audit and assurance practice looking after the firm’s FTSE 100 and larger listed clients. Other leadership roles have included Non-Executive Director of PwC’s Tax Practice, leading the firm’s Building Public Trust programme and acting as the partner responsible for the firm’s Senior Networking Programme.
  • Charles has served on the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants England & Wales, is a former Chairman of their Audit and Assurance Faculty and also their Assurance Panel. He is the current Chairman of the Audit Quality Forum and sits on the Advisory Panel of The Prince of Wales’ Accounting for Sustainability Project.
  • Elected as the Alderman of the Ward of Lime Street in May 2013, Charles became the Aldermanic Sheriff of the City of London in September 2015. He has served on a number of the committees of the City of London Corporation including Policy & Resources, Finance, Audit & Risk and Markets. He was also co-Chairman of The City’s Business – with a focus on youth employability.
  • Charles is a member of the Court of the Worshipful Company of Grocers and a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales. He is a Magistrate, a governor of the Park Side Primary School Academy, Hackney (part of Mossbourne Federation), Ambassador for the Samaritans, Trustee of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and Advisor to The Mansion House Scholarship Scheme.
  • He is married to Samantha, a veterinary surgeon and liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Woolmen. They have two daughters. His other interests include golf, tennis, art and architecture and the countryside – including, when allowed, helping to shepherd a small flock of sheep.