DLA Piper’s Vincent Keaveny elected as Lord Mayor of London

DLA Piper partner Vincent Keaveny has today been elected as the 693rd Lord Mayor of the City of London. As the elected head of the City of London Corporation, he will serve as a global ambassador for the UK-based financial and professional services industry from 12 November 2021 for a one-year term.

Alderman Keaveny will succeed Lord Mayor William Russell, who is currently serving a second year in office. The annual Lord Mayor's Show takes place on Saturday 13 November, which will be followed by the Lord Mayor's Banquet on Monday 15 November at Guildhall where the Prime Minister will deliver a speech.

The Lord Mayor acts as an international spokesperson for the City, leading business delegations overseas 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 policymakers both at home and abroad. He will look to strengthen economic ties with the UK, identify new business opportunities and promote the UK as a top global destination for foreign investment.

During his Mayoral year, Alderman Keaveny will also look to promote his 'People and Purpose' agenda, championing a purpose-led and people-focused UK financial and professional services sector. This will involve growing the global competitiveness of the UK as a world leader in ESG and sustainable finance as well as promoting the UK as home to the best and most diverse global talent, fostering social mobility at all levels.

Vincent Keaveny, commenting on his appointment, said:

"I am honoured to be elected as the 693rd Lord Mayor of the City of London at such a critical time. The City will play a key role in addressing some of the major issues of today: supporting the recovery from Covid-19, making the most of talented people across the country, as well as tackling climate change.

"The Square Mile has constantly reinvented itself throughout history to remain a world-leading business hub. We must rise to this challenge once again in the face of changing economic and social trends brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, while also seizing new opportunities following the UK's exit from the European Union.

"I am confident that the City's future is bright. The UK's financial and professional services sector will continue to create jobs, drive growth and deliver investment across our country and beyond."