Two Terms in a Global Pandemic & Recession: William Russell: The Lord Mayor of London – Inspiring leadership interview with Jonathan Bowman-Perks

The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor, William Russell. Live Interview with Q+A

Chair of CDAM; Senior Advisor to STJ Advisors; Chair of Knightsbridge School; Chair of the Development Board of the Royal Court Theatre; Chair of Prostate Cancer UK; Deputy Chair of Place2Be. You can never over communicate with your team – don’t assume they know what you’re thinking! From financial services to schools to charities, for nearly 15 years, William has been leading organisations from a vast range of sectors. Moulding to fit the sector you lead is a core principle of William’s leadership, recognising that what works in business, does not necessarily work for leading public sector organisations.

Whichever leadership hat he is wearing, William believes kindness and understanding is paramount for getting the best out of any team. In November 2019, William took up his most recent leadership position as Lord Mayor of London. He will be continuing in this role until November 2021 to ensure stability during the Covid-19 crisis. He will be the first Lord Mayor to serve a two-year term in 158 years.

William Russell has over 30 years’ experience in the financial and business City including holding senior positions in the national and international banking sector. In 1987 he went to work for First Boston Corporation before joining Merrill Lynch(external link) in 1992 as an investment banker in Institutional Equity Sales, working in Asia, New York and London.

William was elected as Alderman for the Ward of Bread Street in 2013 and served as Sheriff of the City of London in 2016-17.

He is a Court Assistant to both the Haberdashers(external link)’ and the Feltmakers(external link)’ livery companies, as well as an Honorary Liveryman of the Paviors(external link)’.

During his year as Lord Mayor, Alderman Russell will act as a spokesman for the City, leading overseas business delegations to key international markets on behalf of the UK financial and professional services industry.

In the role he will meet government representatives, 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 promote the UK as a top global destination for foreign investment.

Alderman Russell will be reinforcing the message that 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 country – as well as being a unique, cultural and diverse institution.

He is using his mayoralty to:

• Grow global trade and investment opportunities for the City, London and the UK; strengthening our strategic city partnerships globally.
• Champion innovation to scale up our offer in FinTech and Green Finance within a secure, sustainable and green City.
• Promote a rich and vibrant cultural and creative economy, showcasing the City, London and the UK as a great place to live, learn, work and visit.