Ajay Gupta installed as Master: Sets impact of AI as his theme for the year
Written by David Worsfold on 09th October 2026
Ajay Gupta was installed as Master in a ceremony at Painters' Hall last night. He was joined in the top team of officers for the year by Claire McDonald as Senior Warden and Sally Bramall as Junior Warden.
He set out his theme for the year – the impact of artificial intelligence on insurance.
"The reason is straightforward. AI raises fundamental questions across our profession: how we assess risk, serve customers, develop talent and exercise responsibility.
"Its greatest impact may well be human.
"How will it reshape careers? What knowledge will future insurance professionals need? How do we preserve professional judgement and ethical decision-making? And how can we ensure that innovation strengthens the trust upon which insurance depends?
"These are all questions we should explore together.
"During my year, I hope to bring together practitioners, academics, technology experts, regulators and students for informed and practical discussion. My ambition is to help our profession prepare for this new revolution in a thoughtful and responsible way so we can shape our future.
"Education and talent development will be a particular focus.
"Many of us learnt our trade through detailed work that built our knowledge and experience. As routine tasks become automated, we must consider how tomorrow’s professionals will develop that same depth of understanding.
"Judgement, critical thinking, communication, empathy and ethical leadership will remain essential. We need to help young people develop these capabilities alongside the digital skills they will need.
"This also connects directly with my chosen charity, Digit<all>, which helps young people develop digital skills and confidence, including those whose access to such opportunities is limited.
"For me, this is a practical expression of the theme. As we discuss the future of our industry, we can also help more young people participate in that promising future."
• Outgoing Master Sara Fardon spoke about the honour of being Master, especially during the year when Dame Susan Langley was Lady Mayor. She highlighted the success of of her twin themes of literacy and communication, citing many memorable opportunities to engage with members. Key initiatives delivered during her year included the launch of the MyWCI members magazine, the Insurers Collection of merchandise, the Common Hall report (see below) and the Master's Table lunches.
• Treasurer Ian Clark reported on a healthy financial position and the challenge that being the Mother Company of the Lord Mayor for the second year running will bring. Katie Wade, Chair of the Charitable Trusts, spoke about how the Company has distributed almost £600,000 to a range of philanthropic causes and educational projects and the progress with the integration of the former CII Education and Training Trust.
• Three new Court Assistants were elected and installed: Paul Brady, Jennette Newman and Irem Yerdelen.
• Photograhphs by Jonathan Cherry. Full gallery
