David Brewer (broker)

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Sir David William Brewer (28 May 1940 – 28 May 2023) was a British marine insurance broker who served as Lord Mayor of London in 2005–06 and as Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London from 2008 to 2015.

Brewer was born in Hampstead and educated at Winchester College, St Paul’s School in London, and the University of Grenoble in France. He began his 50-year career with Sedgwick Collins in 1959, later helping the company expand overseas by opening the Tokyo office in 1976, the China office in 1981, and the Bombay office in 1986. After Sedgwick, he held several high-level roles in the insurance industry, including non-executive vice-chairman of Marsh from 2007 to 2009, and director or consultant for various firms. He chaired the China-Britain Business Council until 2013 and served on boards such as LIFFE Administration and Management, Tullett Prebon SITICO (China), and the National Bank of Kuwait (International).

Brewer also held public and ceremonial roles. He became a magistrate in 1979, served as a Common Councilman and Alderman for the Ward of Bassishaw (1996–2010), and was Aldermanic Sheriff in 2002/03. He was Lord Mayor of London in 2005–06 and HM Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London from 2008 to 2015.

His other interests included leadership roles in livery companies and cultural organizations. He was Master of the Merchant Taylors’ and Blacksmiths’ Companies, a Liveryman of the Insurers, President of the London-Cornish Association since 2005, and Chairman of the Central Council of the Royal Over-Seas League from 2017 until his death. In 1985 he married Tessa Jordá, and they had two daughters, Olivia and Gabriella.

Brewer received many honours: Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1999 for services to export; Knight of the Order of St John (KStJ) in 2005; knighted in 2007 for services to the City of London, along with the same year receiving Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun (Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon). He was appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 2015 and knighted as a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Garter (KG) in 2016. He also received honorary degrees from several universities. Sir David Brewer died on his 83rd birthday, 28 May 2023.