The Master for 2022/2023, the 455th recorded, is Peter Cazalet.
The Master oversees the Company’s activities, as well as representing us at a variety of charity, trade, ceremonial and social events. He or she is usually a long-serving Tallow Chandler.
Each Master normally serves for one year. The Master’s election has to take place on or within twenty days of the Feast of St. John the Baptist, reflecting our ancient links with the Brotherhood of St John. We usually hold the election on the first Tuesday in July.
This year’s Master, Peter Cazalet, joined the Company in 1983 where his father was in the Livery through the Company’s connection with the then British Petroleum. Eldest son of Past Master Sir Peter Cazalet, both his brothers are also members of the Company.
Educated at Wellington College and the University of Exeter, Peter has worked in the City all his career. After a brief dalliance with accountancy, he worked for stockbrokers Hoare Govett and investment bank SG Warburg before moving into fund management with Robert Fleming, latterly part of JP Morgan, and UBS. More recently Peter joined the Pension SuperFund, a new startup which aims to consolidate final salary pension schemes in the UK.
Peter lives in rural Suffolk with his wife Jane where they brought up their four children and numerous dogs. They currently have two grandsons who keep them on their toes.
Interests include current affairs, history, gardening, country sports and (not very good) golf. Sailing is an interest that bought Peter into contact with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust where he is now a trustee. In 2019 he completed a charity bike ride from the Trust’s base in Largs to the HQ in Cowes – an experience he does not intend to repeat!