TheCityUK has appointed accomplished policy and public affairs leader John Godfrey as its new permanent Managing Director of Public Affairs, Policy and Research. John has been covering the role on an interim basis following the departure of predecessor Emma Reynolds, who left to take up a seat in parliament at the last election. He will take up the permanent position with immediate effect.
John has over four decades of experience working in financial and related professional services, including 16 years as Corporate Affairs Director at Legal & General Group Plc and roles at Japanese, US and European banks. He has also previously served as Special Adviser to the Home Secretary and Head of the Policy Unit at Number 10 Downing Street. Prior to joining TheCityUK, John spent a year as Executive Director for Housing, Property and Regeneration at the West Midlands Combined Authority.
John joins TheCityUK at a pivotal time for the industry as it seeks to support and enable the government’s drive for growth across the economy and enhancing UK competitiveness. He will play a central role in influencing key policy initiatives and delivering key outcomes for the industry.
John Godfrey, Managing Director, Policy, Public Affairs and Research, said, “I am very pleased to be taking on the role permanently and at a time when there is a such a clear role for financial and related professional services to play in delivering the government’s growth agenda. It also presents a unique opportunity to draw on the breadth of experience I’ve gained over the course of my career, which is very exciting. Our industry is a strategic national asset, employing people in towns and cities across the country, helping people in their everyday lives and enabling investment into other parts of the economy. I’m very much looking forward to being at the heart of that at TheCityUK.
Miles Celic, Chief Executive Officer, TheCityUK, commented, “We are delighted to have John joining the team on a permanent basis. His expertise, experience and deep policy insights are great assets for the organisation. Given the slew of industry reform initiatives on the agenda and the growth and competitiveness opportunities they could deliver, I am confident that John is the right person to lead our domestic policy and public affairs work. He will be a huge asset to the team and to our members.”
John’s appointment follows a search conducted by Odgers Berndtson and a rigorous selection process.
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