Goldsmiths’ Company appoints David Reddaway as new clerk

The Goldsmiths’ Company has announced the appointment of David Reddaway as its new clerk, effective from January 15 2016.

Reddaway succeeds Dick Melly who, after 11 years at the helm of the company, is now retiring.

He joins the company from a second career as a non-executive director at Beko; policy consultant at various international companies; lecturer and panellist on Middle East politics; and member of the International Advisory Board of Bath University’s School of Management.

Reddaway is also a member of the Council of Experts of the Democratic Progress Institute, alongside being the strategic exercise mentor at the Royal College of Defence Studies.

During his previous career in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, his final posting, during 2009 to 2014, was as ambassador to Turkey. He has also held previous roles including ambassador to Ireland, high commissioner to Canada and UK special representative for Afghanistan.

He also previously worked as director of the FCO in London between 1999 and 2001, where he was responsible for press, public diplomacy and cultural work.

Speaking of his new appointment, Reddaway said: “I am delighted to be joining the Goldsmiths’ Company in the City of London at a very exciting time in its long history. It has impressive modern relevance across a dynamic agenda.

“Its support for the craft and trade of goldsmiths and silversmiths, most notably through training young people at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in Clerkenwell and through the annual Goldsmiths’ Fair showcasing contemporary British talent, is extraordinary.

He was knighted in 2013, appointed CMG in 1993, and appointed MBE in 1980.