Master

Simon is a circuit judge based in London where he hears both family and criminal cases.

Simon joined the Company in 1985 when it was still occupying its 4th hall. He has served on the Audit, Finance and Charity Committees, latter of which he now chairs.

He has two sons and enjoys watching rowing, theatre, opera, skiing, and gardening. He lives in West Hampstead with his husband, Tom.

Click here for Simon’s Biography

Upper Warden

Tom graduated from Imperial College as a metallurgist back in the early 1970s before joining his family business in 1975, which specialises in producing copper-based alloy castings. Tom has been chairman of Westley Group Ltd since his father’s death in 1989. Tom became a Liveryman of the Company in 2016 and chaired the Industry Committee for several years.

Under Warden

Married, with two sons working in the square mile, Kim Woolmer joined JM Finn in 2006 after spending 18 years at Private Client Stockbroker Gerrard, which latterly became part of Barclays Wealth. Her career in London started in 1979 with leading investment house Phillips & Drew which was absorbed into UBS post 'big bang'. She gained Freedom of the City of London and became a Liveryman in 2005. Since then she has been a member of the Court and has been involved with various committees in the Company.

Clerk

Reverend Keith Stephenson is a non-stipendiary priest in the Church of England and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. He considers his experience of amateur dramatics prepared him for this post, along with studying wine with a Meilleur Sommelier de France whilst living in St Etienne. His professional career as a Director of Finance and Resources in the NHS, Higher education and membership-based charities is probably what attracted the Founders’ Company to him.

Assistant Clerk

Eloise has a keen interest in heritage organisations and digital marketing.

She has a BA in Drama and Performance from LSBU and an MA in International Heritage Management from the University of Birmingham.

She has been with the Founders since September 2021, having been the manager of The Priory Church of Great St Bartholomew’s previously.

Beadle

Born in Derby, classically trained Chef, joined the Royal Air Force and served 32 years. Has 2 sons.

Retired from the military and selected to become a Yeoman Warder, lives and works at HM Tower of London since 2021.

Saima joined the Founders in September 2026 plays an important role in helping to keep our day-to-day operations running smoothly.

Alongside her work at Founders’ Hall, Saima is undertaking a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship.

Outside the office, Saima has a keen interest in history, literature, and the creative arts.

Chair - Industry Committee

The Industry Committee oversees the disbursement of the Robert Warner Trust, helping the support those who study materials sciences and engineering.

It also organises the annual Robert Warner Lecture, and uses its mix of industry professionals and academics to support and celebrate the Foundry Industry.

Chair - Education Committee

Our Education Committee provides grants, supports youth projects, promotes STEM and apprenticeship education, sponsors individual students, focuses on mental well-being, and collaborates with partners to enhance educational opportunities nationwide.

Chair - Membership Committee

John has spent much of his life putting atoms where they did not want to be and describes himself as an atomic anarchist.

He joined the Company in 1994 and has served on several of its committees, notably as Chairman of the Industry and Charity Committees.

Master 2023/24

Nick has spent his career in the property world, qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor in 1983.

Joining the Founders in 1996, Nick has served on the Audit Committee and was Chair of the Charity Committee 2015 - 2022

Click here for Nicholas’s biography

Immediate Past Master

On leaving school in 1966 Alan immediately joined the family's bell founding business in Whitechapel, and studied Foundry Technology at what is now The University of the South Bank.

In 2000 Alan joined the Founders Company. He has served on the Industry Committee for a number of years and since 2019 has been Honorary Secretary of the Historical Group.

Click here for Alan’s Biography