The Goldsmiths’ Company has announced the appointment of brigadier Ed Butler CBE DSO as its new prime warden, in succession to Richard Reid.
His priorities for the year ahead include further diversifying the Goldsmiths’ Company community, demonstrating social impact – from its charitable grant giving of £4m each year to support skills, vocational training, innovation and creativity, to its role in ensuring the quality of precious metals in the London Assay Office – and its people.
Now a respected specialist in strategic risk and resilience, Butler spent 24 years serving in the British Army, achieving his career ambition at the age of 38 when he took command of 22 SAS (the 22nd Special Air Service Regiment).
He has been formally recognised by His Majesty’s government on six occasions for his service to the nation, including commander of the Order British Empire (CBE) and the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).
In 2008, he left the army and began applying the knowledge he had gained in the commercial arena, first as a partner in a malicious risk advisory business before working in terrorism reinsurance.
He now sits on several boards advising on, among other things, the nuclear sector, security and resilience technology and insurance.
His late father, Sir Adam Butler, served as prime warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company from 1999-2000.
Butler said: “Sadly, I’m not that artistic but I’ve always been fascinated by how craftspeople can make such extraordinary and beautiful objects. Our members, apprentices, silversmiths, jewellers and employees are our lifeblood, and we need to nurture them and have a strategy that delivers success for the next 700 years.”
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