Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE is making history as the 697th Lord Mayor of London, succeeding Alderman Alastair King.
She is only the third woman to hold the position but also the first to adopt the title of ‘Lady Mayor.’
Her official tenure began on November 7.
Dame Susan was born and raised in West Ham, and went to Redden Court School in Harold Wood.
She has experience in business, civic, and charitable services.
Among her previous roles, she was the lead non-executive director for the Home Office, a trustee for Macmillan Cancer, chief executive for financial and professional services at the Department for International Trade (DIT), and an executive director for Lloyd’s of London.
Dame Susan said: “It is a profound honour to be elected as Lady Mayor of the City of London.
“The mayoralty plays a vital role in building relationships, convening leaders, and championing the UK’s financial and professional services at home and abroad in the face of increasing competition.”
In her role, Dame Susan will act as a global ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services sector.
She is set to collaborate with business leaders and government representatives concerning international business connections and promote growth opportunities within the UK.
She also aims to portray the UK as a prime investment destination.
The City of London Corporation said Dame Susan is committed to introducing a ‘Modern Mayoralty’ initiative, a strategic, long-term vision to ensure the role’s relevance.
To mark her historic appointment, 697 women affiliated with the city joined her in the three-mile-long parade on November 8, reflecting Dame Susan’s position as the 697th Lord Mayor.
The parade, known as the ‘Lady Mayor’s Show,’ was the first of its kind in the more than 800-year history of the Lord Mayor’s Show.
The parade featured a variety of floats and groups representing city charities, schools, community groups, musicians, performers, financial institutions, military bands, and livery companies.
More than 350,000 spectators were expected to attend.
Dame Susan said: “To see so many people join the parade is an extraordinary moment – one that celebrates the City’s long-standing traditions and puts the spotlight on so many of the good causes that we support for the benefit of the City and the UK.
“During my mayoralty, I will work to strengthen London’s global leadership, support business growth, and ensure that the City continues to make a positive social impact, while, I hope, demonstrating to the next generation that the City is a great place to live and work in.”
