Background
Brewer grew up in Hampstead and was educated at Street Paul"s School, London.
Brewer grew up in Hampstead and was educated at Street Paul"s School, London.
He later studied at the University of Grenoble, France.
A marine insurance broker by profession, Brewer also served as Lord Mayor of London between 2005 and 2006. Business Brewer began his 50-year career with marine insurance company Sedgwick Collins in 1959. In 1976 he went to Tokyo to open the Sedgwick Group"s Japan office and lived there for 3 years.
He set up the Group office in China in 1981 and obtained the first broker"s authorisation for Sedgwick in 1993.
He also opened their representative office in Mumbai in 1986 and has travelled extensively in Asia and in particular China. He was Non-Executive Vice-Chairman of Marsh Limited., the company which bought Sedgwick, from 2007-2009.
In addition, he has been a Director or Consultant for a number of insurance companies around the world. He was Chairman of the China-Britain Business Council until 2013 and holds Non-Executive Directorships of LIFFE Administration and Management (2009–present), Tullett Prebon SITICO (China) (2006–present) and the National Bank of Kuwait (International) (2007–present).
Public service Brewer has been a Justice of the Peace since 1979.
Prior to serving as Alderman of the Ward of Bassishaw 1996-2010, he was a Common Councilman in the City of London. And was Aldermanic Sheriff of the City in 2002/3. His term of office as Lord Mayor of London was 2005-2006, and from 2008 to 2015 was Her Majesty"s representative in Greater London as Lord Lieutenant.
Brewer is a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors as well as of the Blacksmiths" Company, and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Insurers.
He has been President of the London Cornish Association since 2005. 2008 – Honorary Degree, City University London.