Insurance industry stalwart and Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE has been elected as the 697th Lord Mayor of London, succeeding Alderman Alastair King.
She is the third woman to hold the office in the City of London Corporation’s history, and the first to use the title Lady Mayor. Langley will formally assume her duties on November 7 at the Silent Ceremony, with the Lady Mayor’s Banquet scheduled for later in the year.
Langley’s appointment is notable for her extensive background in insurance, which continues to shape her civic contributions. She has served as non-executive chair UK at Gallagher since 2015, and her leadership in the sector was further highlighted when she and SiriusPoint chair Alderman Bronek Masojada were both appointed as City of London Sheriffs. This marked the first time that both Sheriffs and the Lord Mayor hailed from the insurance industry.
Langley’s insurance career also includes significant international experience. At Lloyd’s of London, she held senior roles such as director for North America and market development, director of Lloyd’s Asia, and chair of Lloyd’s Japan, where she oversaw market operations and developed global strategies.
Beyond her executive roles, Langley has contributed to the advancement of the insurance profession as vice president of the Insurance Institute of London. Besides being named one of Insurance Business UK's Women of Influence in 2016, she received the Institute’s President’s Award in 2009, recognising her commitment to industry standards and professional development.
In addition to her insurance sector roles, Langley has worked as lead non-executive director at the UK Home Office and as CEO for Financial and Professional Services at the Department for International Trade. Her civic service includes her tenure as Alderwoman for Aldgate Ward since 2018 and as Sheriff of the City of London from 2023 to 2024.
In her new role, Langley will act as a global ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services sector, aiming to strengthen international business ties and promote the UK as a destination for investment. She has outlined a strategy for a ‘Modern Mayoralty’, focusing on global leadership, reputation, business growth, and social impact.
“It is a profound honour to be elected as Lady Mayor of the City of London,” Langley said. She noted the importance of the mayoralty in building relationships and championing the UK’s financial and professional services at home and abroad.
“We are still the world’s leading financial centre but we must continue to innovate and look forward, not back, to drive long term prosperity for the UK economy,” she added.
Langley’s priorities include strengthening London’s global leadership, enhancing its reputation, supporting business growth, and ensuring the City has a positive social impact and attracts the necessary talent.
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