Masters of the Company

The Founder Master was William Cecil (Bill) Harris.

Born in 1913, Bill worked all his life with the Phoenix Group of Companies, retiring in 1984, having completed 55 years with the Group.

War service with the RAF included a period in India. On his return to civilian life, his career progressed rapidly with transfers first to London, and then to the United States, where he became President of the Phoenix Group companies there.

Returning to the London General Management in 1965, he was appointed a Director, and then succeeded as Chief General Manager in 1969. On retirement as Chief Executive in 1978, he remained on the Phoenix Board as Deputy Chairman until 1984. He gave great service to the wider insurance industry as President of the Chartered Insurance Institute in 1971/72 and Chairman of the British Insurance Association in 1976/77.

His contribution to the insurance profession and to the City of London did not end with his retirement in 1978 from executive responsibility. The creation of the Worshipful Company of Insurers in 1979 was his inspiration and, in the early days, largely the result of his own efforts and hard work. He became the Founder Master of the Company, and was persuaded to serve a further full term as Master in 1980. He remained fully involved in the affairs of the Company until his death in 1999.

Master Sara Fardon, 2025-26 is pictured with Immediate Past Master Karl Jarvis