Robert Hughes-Penney, investment director at Rathbones and CISI Chartered Fellow, has been elected as Sheriff of the City of London.

He will take office from September.

He has over three decades in the financial services sector, including as investment director of Rathbones where he manages global multi-asset portfolios as well as serving on the board.

Mr Hughes-Penney is also a trustee of the CISI board of directors, a member of the CISI Ethics and Integrity Committee and chair of the CISI Audit and Risk Committee.

The Sheriffs' modern-day duties include supporting the Lord Mayor in his or her civic duties and serving - both, at home and abroad - as ambassadors for the UK-based financial and professional services industry by promoting the City of London and the UK as a place in which to do business.

Based at the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, the office is an integral part of the City’s support for the rule of law.

Mr Hughes-Penney said: “To all those who have extended support and encouragement along the way – from across the Livery, the Court of Aldermen, and the wider City – I offer my heartfelt thanks and with a deep awareness of the heritage and responsibility that comes with this role — the oldest secular office in the country after the Sovereign.

“The role of Sheriff is not just ceremonial; it is fundamentally about supporting the Mayoralty in championing the City's global standing and civic mission, and I commit to working with the Lord Mayor, and on a joint civic plan with his elected successor and my fellow Sheriff. We also look forward to including young people in our programme and will uphold and promote the City's global stature both at home and abroad.”

In addition to their duties and responsibilities to assist the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs play a key role in supporting His Majesty’s Judges at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) by promoting the importance of the English rule of law to businesses, schools, diplomats, charities, the City Livery, and leading arts figures.

The Central Criminal Court, where the Sheriffs work and reside during their year, is owned and managed by the City of London Corporation.