Roger Gifford
Sir Roger Gifford | |
|---|---|
| Born | Michael Roger Gifford 3 August 1955 St Andrews, Scotland |
| Died | 25 May 2021 (aged 65) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, Civic leader |
| Years active | 1978–2017 |
| Known for | 685th Lord Mayor of London (2012–2013), UK head of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) |
| Notable work | Chair of UK Green Finance Institute, Chairman of Swedish Chamber of Commerce (UK), Chairman of Association of Foreign Banks (UK) |
Sir Michael Roger Gifford KStJ KNO (3 August 1955 – 25 May 2021) was a prominent British banker who held the position of the 685th Lord Mayor of London between 2012 and 2013.
From 2000, Gifford served as the UK head of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) and was also a Patron of the financial education charity "MyBnk".
Early life
Born in St Andrews, Scotland, to Douglas Gifford—whose heritage combined Argentinian and Lowland Scottish roots—and Hazel Collingwood, he received his education at Sedbergh School. He later earned an MA in Chemistry from Trinity College, Oxford.
Career
Gifford launched his career in finance at SG Warburg from 1978 to 1982, specializing in international banking and capital markets. He joined Enskilda Securities, part of Skandinaviska Enskilda Bank, in 1982 and led its operations in Japan between 1994 and 2000. Subsequently, he was SEB's UK country manager and Senior Banker from 2000 until 2017. His leadership extended to chairing the UK Green Finance Institute, where he spearheaded the Green Finance Initiative in 2016 and the UK Government's Green Finance Taskforce in 2017.
He also held prominent positions such as chairman of both the Swedish Chamber of Commerce (UK) and the Association of Foreign Banks (UK). In the arts sector, Gifford was Chair of St Paul's Cathedral Council, founding Chair of the City Music Foundation, and held leadership roles with the English Chamber Orchestra charity as well as the Tenebrae Choir.
As a liveryman, he served as Master of the Worshipful Company of Musicians (2016–17) and the Worshipful Company of International Bankers (2010–11). Additionally, he maintained affiliations with the Cordwainers, Security Professionals, and Guild of Public Relations Practitioners.
In 2011, Gifford joined the Trustee Board of the Bank Workers Charity and became its President in 2014. In this role, he championed support for banking professionals while promoting ethical standards and cultural development within financial services.
Civic service
Elected Alderman for the City of London Ward of Cordwainer in 2004, Gifford contributed to the City of London Corporation Culture Heritage and Libraries Committee. He fulfilled the role of Sheriff of London from 2008 to 2009.
In October 2012, he was chosen as Lord Mayor of London, officially taking office on 9 November. Upon his election, Gifford stressed that service should remain at the heart of UK financial services, underscoring that the City must actively serve society and be visibly committed to doing so.
During his mayoralty, he performed the ceremonial duty of carrying the Mourning Sword at Margaret Thatcher's funeral procession, leading Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip into and out of St Paul's Cathedral—a tradition last observed during Winston Churchill's funeral in 1965.
His Lord Mayoral charitable initiative, titled "The City in Society," emphasized London's role as an international center for philanthropy and cultural engagement.
Personal life
Gifford lived in London with his wife, Dr Clare Taylor, Lady Gifford.
A dedicated Freemason, Sir Roger had a passion for chamber music, singing, opera, gardening, and forestry.
He passed away in 2021 at age 65 due to complications related to myeloma.
Honours
In 2013, Gifford, serving as Chancellor ex officio, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by City University. The following year, he was knighted in the 2014 New Year Honours in recognition of his contributions to international commerce, cultural affairs, and the City of London. That same year, he was also granted an honorary Doctor of Laws from St Andrews University.
- 2014: Knight Bachelor
- 2013: Knight of the Most Venerable Order of St John
- 2007: Commander of Sweden’s Order of the Polar Star
- 2011: Commander of Finland’s Order of the Lion
- 2012: Member 5th Class of the Order of Kuwait
External links
- 1955 births
- 2021 deaths
- Alumni of Trinity College, Oxford
- Businesspeople awarded knighthoods
- Commanders of the Order of the Lion of Finland
- Commanders of the Order of the Polar Star
- Councilmen and Aldermen of the City of London
- Deaths from multiple myeloma in the United Kingdom
- Fellows of Trinity College, Oxford
- Freemasons of the United Grand Lodge of England
- Knights Bachelor
- Knights of Justice of the Order of St John
- People educated at Sedbergh School
- People from St Andrews
- Scottish bankers
- Scottish people of Argentine descent
- Sheriffs of the City of London
- 21st-century lord mayors of London
- 21st-century British politicians