The Sheriffs’ biographies
Alderman & Sheriff Robert Hughes-Penney
Alderman & Sheriff Robert Hughes-Penney, born in Brazil, spent part of his childhood in South Africa before returning to the UK. After graduating and serving in the Army for four years he entered the City in 1993. He has spent over 30 years at Rathbones, primarily as an Investment Director, managing global multi-asset portfolios. In addition, he spent several years on the Board, Executive and Management committees of the main operating company. He is Chair of the CityUK’s Business Council, Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee at the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment and on the Board of the Impact Investing Institute. Formerly a Common Councilman, he chaired key committees and has served on the Boards of various charitable organizations. Additionally, he's on the Court of the Haberdashers’ Company and is Past Master of the Guild of Investment Managers.
Sheriff & Deputy Keith Bottomley
Sheriff & Deputy Keith Bottomley, a former banker, is an elected Member of the City of London Corporation, actively leading on sustainability, climate action, and broader policy agendas. He will serve as Sheriff of the City of London from September 2025 to September 2026. He was Deputy Chairman of the City Corporation's Policy and Resources Committee for three years until May 2025 and now chairs the Civic Affairs Committee. Keith has also chaired the Communications and Corporate Affairs Committee and the Port Health and Environment Committee. As Deputy Policy Chairman, he led the City of London BIDs Strategic Partnership and the Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce. He chairs Partnership for Young London and is a Trustee of Housing the Homeless Central Fund and Bart’s Hospital Guild. Passionate about opportunity for young people and education, Keith is Deputy Chair of Governors at the City of London School. He lives near the Globe Theatre with his husband, Kevin, a Pilates teacher, and enjoys theatre, arts, and music.