Lord Johnson of Lainston, CBE, who currently serves as the Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade, has been conferred with the prestigious Freedom of the City of London. This esteemed recognition is in honor of his exceptional contributions to the City, the United Kingdom, and the financial services sector.
Lord Johnson’s illustrious career spans over 25 years in financial services. He embarked on his journey in 1995 at Robert Fleming and later worked for Jardine Fleming in Hong Kong. Following several ventures into dot-com start-ups, he assumed the role of head of marketing for Lloyd George Asset Management, a firm specializing in emerging markets, in 2002.
In 2007, Lord Johnson co-founded Somerset Capital Management LLP, a democratic partnership owned by employees, focusing on pension fund management in developing nations.
Between November 2020 and October 2022, he served as a non-executive board member of the Department for International Trade, chairing the department’s Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.
From 2017 to 2019, he held the position of vice-chairman of the Conservative Party.
Lord Johnson’s nomination for the Freedom award came from Lord Mayor of the City of London, Nicholas Lyons, and the City of London Corporation’s Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward.
Lord Johnson expressed his gratitude, stating, “I could not be more honored to receive the Freedom of the City. This phenomenal world-class institution, ancient in its traditions but entirely modern in its approach to innovation and the means to power our science and technology revolution.”
The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Nicholas Lyons, commented, “We are delighted to have awarded the Freedom of the City to Lord Johnson. His contribution to government, financial services, and the UK’s competitiveness is hugely significant.”
City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, added, “Lord Johnson continues to be an important figure both in business and politics, and this award is recognition of his unique contribution to the City, the UK, and beyond.”
The Freedom of the City of London is a historic tradition dating back to 1237, allowing recipients to engage in their trade. It is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to London or public life.
Recent recipients of this honor include Sir Cameron Mackintosh, Amy Lamé, Sir Jon Cunliffe, and Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, known for her role in the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
