Peter Levene, Baron Levene of Portsoken facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Levene of Portsoken
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Official portrait, 2020
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| 671st Lord Mayor of London | |
| In office 1998–1999 |
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| Preceded by | Richard Nichols |
| Succeeded by | Clive Martin |
| Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal |
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| In office 22 July 1997 – 28 November 2024 Life peerage |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Peter Keith Levene
8 December 1941 Pinner, Middlesex, England |
| Spouse |
Wendy Fraiman
(m. 1966) |
Peter Keith Levene, also known as Baron Levene of Portsoken, was born on December 8, 1941. He is a British businessman who held important roles. He was the chairman of Lloyd's of London, a famous insurance market, from 2003 to 2011. He also served as the Lord Mayor of London from 1998 to 1999. From 1997 until his retirement on November 28, 2024, he was a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament.
Contents
Education and Early Career
Learning and Studies
Peter Levene attended the City of London School. After that, he went to the University of Manchester. There, he earned a degree in Economics and Political Science.
Starting in Business
In 1963, he joined a small company called United Scientific Holdings. This company grew to become a major supplier for the UK and other countries' Ministries of Defence. Peter Levene eventually became the chairman of this group in 1981.
Working for the Government
Helping the Ministry of Defence
After his success in business, Peter Levene was asked to work for the government. He became a special advisor to the Secretary of State for Defence, Michael Heseltine. Later, he took on a very important job as the Chief of Defence Procurement. He held this role for six years. In this position, he was in charge of buying equipment and supplies for the UK's armed forces.
International and Advisory Roles
From 1989 to 1990, he was the chairman of the European National Armaments Directors. This group worked on defense equipment across Europe. After this, he advised several other government departments. He gave advice to the Secretary of State for the Environment, the President of the Board of Trade, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Advising the Prime Minister
From 1992 to 1997, he was an advisor to the Prime Minister, John Major. His job was to help make the government more efficient and effective. During this time, he also led the Docklands Light Railway and later Canary Wharf Ltd, which developed a major business area in London.
Leadership in London and Beyond
Serving the City of London
Peter Levene was an Alderman of the City of London from 1994 to 2012. He also served as Sheriff of London from 1995 to 1996. These are important roles in the historic City of London.
Becoming Lord Mayor
From 1998 to 1999, he held the prestigious title of Lord Mayor of London. In this role, he was the head of the Corporation of the City of London. He worked to support and promote London as a leading international financial center.
Later Business Roles
After his time as Lord Mayor, he continued to hold many important positions. He was the chairman of Lloyd's of London from 2002 to 2011. He also worked for major banks like Deutsche Bank and Bankers Trust International. He was on the boards of large companies like J Sainsbury plc and Total S.A.. Until 2019, he was the chairman of General Dynamics UK Ltd.
Current Activities
Today, Lord Levene is the chairman of Starr Underwriting Agents Limited. He also serves on the boards of Tikehau Capital Europe Ltd, Haymarket Media Group, and China Construction Bank. He was a member of the House of Lords Finance Committee and the Joint Committee on National Security Strategy. In 2010, he led a group that reviewed how the UK Ministry of Defence was structured. He can speak French, German, and Italian.
Family Life
Lord Levene is married to Wendy, Lady Levene. She is very involved in charity work. She is a trustee for the Jewish Museum London. She also helps a charity called PMRGCA UK, which supports people with polymyalgia rheumatica. In 1989, she launched HMS Argyll, a Royal Navy warship.
Peter and Wendy Levene have three children: John (born 1968), Nicole (born 1969), and Tim (born 1973). They also have ten grandchildren.
Images for kids
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The coronet of a British Baron
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The coat of arms of Peter Levene
