At a Common Hall held at noon on Thursday 11th of September 2025, (it being Election Day), Liverymen responded to the Summons to give their Voice, Vote and Lot to elect the Master, Wardens and Assistants for the year ensuing.
At the election, Gwyn Howells was elected Master of The Worshipful Company of Butchers 2025-26.
Gwyn, an Economics Graduate, is a committed “hands on” Marketing and Communications brand champion. Enjoying a varied and successful career in a number of “Blue Chip” companies in the Tobacco, Beer and Sports goods industries, Gwyn filled a range of marketing roles at Gallaher, Courage and Reebok.
As Master Butcher, Gwyn’s links, relationship with, and devotion to the meat industry were firmly established during the ten years he spent, initially as Marketing Director, and subsequently Director General of the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) a levy-based industry funded organisation established by Government to “improve the efficiency of the British meat industry.”
No stranger in the early part of his career, to consumer challenges and media led controversy, Gwyn led the team responsible for the crisis management programme arising from the consumer and industry challenges of BSE in 1996. Responding to the crisis was followed, swiftly, by an innovative and highly successful marketing campaign that proved instrumental in the full recovery of the Beef market among consumers.
A passionate Welshman who was brought up bi-lingually, Gwyn was a very keen rugby player and turned out for teams in Wales, London and Yorkshire. Today, although maintaining a keen interest in most sports, it’s still rugby, and Welsh rugby in particular, that triggers his emotions, and he, of course continues to pledge everlasting support!
Having first moved to the City of London as a student, Gwyn and his wife and Consort, Virginia, live in Islington and find it beneficial, and very convenient, to be able to walk to and from Butchers’ Hall.
The family comprises 2 children, a daughter living with her family in the Midlands and a son who lives with his family on the Gold Coast in Australia. In all there are 5 wonderful grandchildren.
A Liveryman since 2001 and a member of Court since 2013, Gwyn has chaired or been a member of all the Court Committees during his progression to being elected Master Butcher in September 2025.