David Brewer (broker) facts for kids

Sir David William Brewer was a very important person in London. He was born in 1940 and passed away on his birthday in 2023. He worked as an expert in marine insurance, which helps protect ships and their cargo. He also held two very special jobs: he was the Lord Mayor of London from 2005 to 2006, and then he represented Queen Elizabeth II as the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London from 2008 to 2015.

Early Life and Education

David Brewer was born in 1940. He grew up in Hampstead, a part of London. He went to two famous schools: Winchester College and St Paul's School in London. Later, he studied in France at the University of Grenoble.

His Career and Work

Working in Business

Sir David started his long career in 1959. He worked for 50 years in the marine insurance business. This type of insurance helps protect ships and goods that travel by sea.

He traveled a lot for his job:

• In 1976, he moved to Tokyo, Japan, for three years to open an office there.
• In 1981, he set up his company's office in China. He even got the first special permission for a broker in China in 1993.
• In 1986, he opened an office in Bombay (now Mumbai), India.

Later, he was a senior advisor for other big insurance companies. He also led the China-Britain Business Council until 2013. This group helps businesses in China and Britain work together.

Serving the Public

Sir David also spent a lot of time helping the public.

• In 1979, he became a magistrate, which means he helped make decisions in local courts.
• He was an Alderman for a part of the City of London called Bassishaw from 1996 to 2010. Aldermen are like local councillors.
• He was also the Aldermanic Sheriff of the City of London for a year (2002-2003). The Sheriffs help the Lord Mayor.
• His most famous role was being the 678th Lord Mayor of London from 2005 to 2006. The Lord Mayor is the head of the City of London's local government.
• From 2008 to 2015, he was the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London. This meant he was the personal representative of Queen Elizabeth II in London.

Public Life and Interests

Sir David was involved in many important groups. He was a "Past Master" of two old London groups called the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors and the Blacksmiths' Company. He was also a member of the Worshipful Company of Insurers.

He was the President of the London-Cornish Association since 2005. This group connects people from Cornwall who live in London. He also led the Royal Over-Seas League from 2017 until he passed away.

Personal Life

In 1985, Sir David married Tessa Jordá. They had two daughters, Olivia and Gabriella. Lady Brewer, his wife, was also very active in public life. She was recognized for her work as the leader of the City of London Festival.

Sir David enjoyed music, playing golf, and eating chocolate. He also loved paronomasia, which means making puns (jokes using words that sound alike).

Sir David and Lady Brewer had homes in Hellandbridge, Cornwall, and in London.

Sir David Brewer passed away on 28 May 2023, which was his 83rd birthday.

Awards and Honours

Sir David Brewer received many important awards for his hard work and service. These awards are called "honours."

• He was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1999 for helping with exports.
• In 2005, he became a Knight of the Order of St John (KStJ).
• He was given the title of Sir in 2007 for his service to the City of London.
• In the same year, he received a special award from Japan called the Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon of the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun.
• In 2015, he was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) for his work as Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London.
• On 23 April 2016, he received one of the highest honours in Britain: he became a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter (KG).

Arms of Sir David Brewer KG: This is his special family symbol, like a logo, showing dragons and a camel.

He also received special degrees from several universities:

• In 2008, he got honorary degrees from City University London, SOAS University of London, and the University of Exeter.
• In 2013, he received another honorary degree from the University of Nottingham.

	Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter (KG)	2016
	Knight Bachelor	2007
	Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)	1999
	Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)	2015
	Knight of the Order of St John (KStJ)	2005
	Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon of the Order of the Rising Sun	(Japan) 2007