“Robert has strong links across the City and Westminster which he puts to good use promoting the City’s best interests.”

Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Social Security, former Chief Secretary to the Treasury (City Minister) and Shadow Secretary for Work & Pensions

“I can think of no one better to represent the City of London as Sheriff in 2025/26.”

The Rt Hon. John Glen MP, Former Paymaster General, Cabinet Minister and Chief Secretary to the Treasury (City Minister)

“Finding leaders in business – especially in financial services – who see the true merit in building inclusive and diverse cultures is a tough call…it’s not a priority metric ….but it is in today’s globally connected world, let alone the City of London a real indicator of the character of a leader who sees their role as serving the greater goal of opportunity and fairness and justice ….that’s Robert all over …a confident and open hearted man who genuinely embraces inclusion and demonstrates vivid values.”

Lord Dr Hastings of Scarisbrick CBE, Professor of Leadership at the Stephen Covey Leadership Centre and Chair of SOAS Board of Trustees

"Robert works hard to seek a better City where every business and worker can prosper, contribute and flourish"

Baroness Stroud, CEO Alliance for Responsible Citizenship and House of Lords

"Hard to believe that it is over six years since we elected Robert as Alderman for the Ward of Cheap. What a good decision that has turned out to be. The Ward supports the Court of Aldermen’s nomination of Robert to be Sheriff."

Adrian Waddingham CBE, Past President Ward of Cheap Club and Past Sheriff City of London

"Robert is an undoubted City financial professional and has extensive experience serving and leading on a number of key strategic bodies and organisations across the City. He is a man of deep integrity and I believe ideally qualified to serve the Ward and City as an Alderman."

Michael Cole-Fontayn, Past Master Merchant Taylor and Chair, Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment

“Robert continues to make a significant contribution to the business at a senior level. Having spent over 30 years successfully advising a wide variety of clients through many challenging financial market conditions, his continuing sponsorship of change and deep understanding of how the City operates make him very well equipped to serve as Sheriff in 2025/26”

Paul Stockton, CEO Rathbones Group Plc

“Robert is committed to making a difference in society, demonstrated through various City charity and church commitments over the 25 years that I have known him.”

Suzanne Avery, portfolio Non-Executive Director and Church Commissioner

"Robert served as a Trustee of Trust for London for six years and I was very impressed with Robert’s interest in, and commitment to, addressing the needs of Londoners affected by poverty and inequality. Robert was actively involved in grants assessment visits to applicant organisations, invariably asking searching questions. The Trustees and I were sad to lose Robert’s wisdom and guidance."

Bharat Mehta CBE, former CEO of Trust for London

"I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Robert for his instrumental role in the tremendous success of the 2023 SWFI Global Wealth Conference. This groundbreaking initiative, held at Guildhall in the heart of London, brought together the world's foremost global public investors for a $6 trillion dollar hall. Through Robert's unwavering dedication, the City remains a vibrant and attractive hub for business, fostering growth, innovation and valuable investment partnerships. Together with the City Corporation, we look forward to unlocking further economic potential and ensuring prosperity for all."

Lakshmi Narayanan, Chairman, Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute

"Alderman Hughes-Penney has brought all his skills and talent to bear to ensure that the interests of business and individuals are properly represented in the City.  He has been bold in championing sustainable investment and the unique role that London plays, as well as building and championing the local community."

Eoin Murray, Head of Investment, Federated Hermes, Cheapside

“Robert’s commitment to working with Ward and City businesses and workers, promoting productivity and community, is very clear. This has never been more important than at the current time, and we have confidence in Robert’s ability to make a real and lasting difference as Sheriff in 2025/26.”

Chris Halliday, Senior Partner in the Global M&A, Eversheds Sutherland

"I have worked with Robert across sustainable investment, the City Prayer breakfast and various other initiatives that he has championed. He is a man who lives his values and walks with integrity. He is a highly respected convener of senior leaders from different areas of The City who seeks to address issues that are vital to the cultural capital of London."

Simon Abrams, Founder Director, ElpisImpact, Board Trustee LICC

"Robert has played a key role in strengthening London’s reputation as the premier hub for impact-driven finance in a competitive, rapidly evolving global market. As a leader in the City and Board member of the Impact Investing Institute, Robert has been a vital ambassador in building the market. His commitment to the opportunity for the financial services to be a force for societal and environmental benefit exemplifies the values needed to support the City’s future."

Bella Landymore & Sarah Teacher, Co-CEOs, Impact Investing Institute