Rosemary Beaver has been elected as the new Master of the Worshipful Company of Insurers (WCI) -- the first woman to be appointed Master in the organisation's history.
Now celebrating its 40th year, the Company is part of the historic City Livery movement with more than 500 professionals in the insurance industry as members.
Ms Beaver joined the WCI in 2012, at a time when there were relatively few women members -- there are now more than 70. As Master, she is responsible for leading the Company, chairing the court and key committees, as well as being the figurehead for its work with the city of London and other livery companies.
The WCI currently has two charitable trusts: one focussed on education in insurance and the other on general good causes. The Company supports the Lord Mayor's Appeal and distributes up to £200,000 each year to charitable organisations working with young people, homelessness, the rehabilitation of offenders, environmental issues and mental health.
Ms Beaver said: "After more than 30 years in the industry, it is a huge privilege to be appointed to this unique role and I hope to serve the Company and our profession well -- demonstrating to society the value of the insurance profession. We have so much support from the CII in all we do. I am delighted to continue to collaborate with the Institute and help add value wherever we can.
"I would like to see us "Invest in the Future". Livery companies have an old-fashioned image, but they have an important role in the City of London and provide an incredibly valuable fellowship for people working in it, as well as a focus of collaboration for those who would like to do good in wider society.
"We have set up iEngage, which aims to encourage younger insurance professionals, including members of the CII, who are interested in the WCI to become part of the organisation," Ms Beaver added. "We are developing specific leadership and networking events programmes for young professionals, where they can meet and share ideas with those more senior in the market. We are ready to welcome new members into what is a very vibrant and warm fellowship."
The WCI has a historic and ongoing alignment with the CII and welcomes enquiries about membership from CII members.
To find out more about joining the WCI, visit: www.wci.org.uk