Endorsements

“Robert has been a Member of the Haberdashers' Company for over 25 years and is an active member of its Court.

I, as the Master Haberdasher, support Robert's Aldermanic Shrieval candidacy. He will bring his financial expertise, warm, interpersonal skills and professionalism to the role that he will fulfil to the highest standards.”

Alderman Sir William Russell, Master Haberdasher and Past Lord Mayor

"I give my wholehearted support to Robert Hughes-Penney as an Aldermanic Sheriff.  I have worked alongside him in two guises.  First, we served as brother officers in the Light Dragoons in Germany in the 1990s.  More recently, as Clerk to the Haberdashers’ Company, I have witnessed his strong contribution to the Company as a Court Assistant, and to the City.

He will bring a deep sense of service to others and a determination to always do the right thing, making him an excellent member of the Civic team."

Brigadier Angus Watson MBE, Clerk, Worshipful Company of Haberdashers

"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 Hughes-Penney knows the City well as the global financial centre that it is. He has served on a variety of City institutions in different ways and can speak to its many strengths. He is immensely well-positioned to serve the City and the Ward of Cheap as Sheriff.”

Dame Fiona Woolf, Past Lord Mayor and Past Master Wax Chandler

“I warmly support Robert to be Aldermanic Sheriff. Since becoming Alderman of the Ward of Cheap six years ago, he has taken a deep interest in the Company and I am confident as Aldermanic Sheriff he will do the same for the whole Livery. Furthermore, he has fully supported the work of the Weavers’ Company in the field of social justice and as Sheriff, he will have the perfect opportunity to continue his interest in this area through the Sheriff and Recorders’ Fund."

Ms Rebecca Ridley, Upper Bailiff, Weavers’ Company

"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

"I warmly support Robert to be Aldermanic Sheriff. Having worked alongside him as an elected member of the City of London Corporation, I've seen at first hand his commitment to, and passion for, the City and the Ward of Cheap.

With his convening power and ability to deliver, he would be a great addition to the Civic Team."

Nick Bensted-Smith, Master, Worshipful Company of Loriners

"I first met Robert some six years ago as a result of our City and livery company connections. I have never failed to be impressed by the high degree of passion, integrity, drive and commitment that he brings to everything in which he becomes involved.    

I have no doubt that he will conduct himself in similar fashion in any future Civic role and fully support his progression in these, and other, areas."

Nicholas Bence-Trower, Past Master, Worshipful Company of Drapers

"Robert is immensely committed to the City. His wide-reaching voluntary, faith-based and board level activities demonstrate his passion and interest in serving the wider community. I have seen at first hand the care and diligence that Robert gives to his leadership roles, particularly when I served as Junior Warden of the Guild of Investment Managers, and he was Master. Subsequently, when I was Master and Robert was Sponsoring Alderman, he provided excellent support and gave wise counsel to me and to the Guild as a whole, and continues so to do. His strong communication skills, accompanied by his deep knowledge and experience both of the Civic City and of the investment management industry, will equip him well in the role of Sheriff. His personable style and energy will enable him to be a great support to the Lord Mayor. I have every confidence that Robert will fulfil the role of Aldermanic Sheriff with enthusiasm, commitment and integrity."

Melissa Longley, Past Master, 2022-2023, Guild of Investment Managers

"I am delighted to support Robert’s nomination for Aldermanic Sheriff of the City of London. Having had the pleasure of working alongside Robert for the last 12 years I can confidently say that he exemplifies the true meaning of “Dictum Meum Pactum”. He also demonstrates the qualities of dedication, integrity, and leadership all of which underline the values of the City of London. Over the years Robert has shown his commitment to public service as a Common Councilman and Alderman of the Ward of Cheap. Through this commitment to public service, he has developed a deep understanding of the City. His professionalism, experience and genuine care for the local community make him an exceptional candidate. This coupled with Robert’s quiet drive and enthusiasm will no doubt contribute to a stronger, more vibrant City. It is with great pleasure that I endorse Robert for this esteemed position."

James Neill Warden, Worshipful Company of Broderers

"I am delighted that yet another Financial Services Group of Livery Companies Committee member is coming forward as a candidate for the Aldermanic Sheriff. It plays a vital role in the City, working with the Old Bailey, Mansion House, and the Corporation to support the development of the City at a time when competition for pre-eminence in the global financial economy is increasing. Robert will be a vital, enthusiastic and competent candidate who will bring expertise and charisma to the role. He can count on the passionate support of those who know him and have worked with him."

Mark Spofforth OBE FCA, Chairman at The Financial Services Group of Livery Companies

"The Honourable Artillery Company Livery Association wishes to support Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney's candidature for Aldermanic Sheriff for the City of London. Robert has been a supportive member of the Honourable Artillery Company and a committed member of the Livery Association, and with his knowledge and dedication, we believe that he will make an excellent Sheriff."

Maj. Patrick Marsland-Roberts TD, Chairman, HAC Livery Association

"I am delighted to support Robert. Soon after he became an Alderman, he joined the Committee of the Lord Mayor's Big Curry Lunch and remains an active and supportive member. His thoughtful and well-considered advice, both during meetings and beyond, has been truly invaluable. He has helped in a number of ways over the years to bring in sponsors and supporters. As a former regular soldier, his commitment to the City's armed forces charitable endeavours is clearly apparent".

Michael Hockney MBE, Co-Chairman and Founder,
The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch Member, Lord Mayor’s Appeal Board Court Member,
The Musicians Company

“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, Chair Low Pay Commission, CEO Alliance for Responsible Citizenship and House of Lords

“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

"I enthusiastically support Rob Hughes-Penney for Sheriff.  I have worked with Rob on the Board of the Impact Investing Institute for the past five years.  His integrity, excellent judgment and strong commitment to the City of London will serve him well in this new role."

Ida Levine, Board Director and Lead Expert Policy, Impact Investing Institute

"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

"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 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

"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

"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