Professor Randall S Whittaker, Principal and CEO, was amongst those awarded the Freedom of the City of London on Friday, 19 July, by Lord Mayor Prof Michael Mainelli.
The ceremony saw 40 recipients from a broad spectrum of sectors honoured at the Mansion House for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.
Prof Whittaker received his honour in recognition of his spirit of innovation and dedication and for his impressive achievements and contributions to public life.
Prof Whittaker said: “I am proud to receive this honour from the City of London, particularly as it is in recognition of collaborating and innovating to drive progress in the performing arts.
“To receive the award in such an inspirational cohort of leaders in a whole range of sectors, including a historian, a race campaigner, and a restauranteur, is quite inspiring.”
The group freedom awards were given as part of the Lord Mayor’s ‘Connect to Prosper’ theme, which strives to bring together thought leaders from diverse backgrounds, working in the scientific, academic, and business worlds to demonstrate the City’s strengths in solving global challenges such as climate change and AI.
The group was nominated for the City’s award by the Lord Mayor and elected City of London Corporation Member Alderman Alastair King.
Speaking after the ceremony, Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli said:
“These people are remarkable individuals who exemplify the City of London’s spirit of innovation and dedication and have enriched the Square Mile’s diverse tapestry with their impressive achievements and contributions to public life.
“Today’s ceremony embodies the essence of connectivity that underscores my mayoral theme, ‘Connect to Prosper’, celebrating our many Knowledge Miles and showcasing the Square Mile’s ability to bring people together across different areas of expertise to find solutions to our planet’s biggest challenges.
One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade. As well as being nominated for or applying for the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.