In a traditional ceremony at the Guildhall, the veteran Clarksons Platou gas shipbroker was elected London’s 688th Lord Mayor, a position he will take over on 13 November.
Still known by many in shipping simply as Jeffrey Evans, he assumed the formal title Lord Mountevans last year after the death of his elder brother.
Although a historic role, the Lord Mayor still retains political influence to lobby on behalf of business and social interests in the City, leading Evans' supporters to hope his appointment will maintain the current UK government's support for shipping.
A small crowd gathered in Guildhall square to witness one of London's oldest events, before the incoming Mayor dressed in full regalia was whisked off in one of the marks of his new office, a classic black Rolls-Royce limousine.
Tradition and protocol means Evans is unable to make public comments or give interviews until he formally takes office.
Evans, pictured with his wife Juliet today, has stated previously he is eager to promote London as a shipping centre during his year as Lord Mayor, to raise the cluster’s profile both in the UK and promote London overseas.
In a statement today the Gothenburg-born Mountevans said: “London is Europe’s and the UK’s global platform, which is why ‘Innovate here – succeed anywhere’ is my theme for the year.
"Innovation is a key part of London’s success, not just in my field of maritime services and logistics, but also in other important world-beating sectors of professional services, skills and education.
"As Lord Mayor, I want to celebrate this power to innovate and drive it forward to help create more wealth and jobs, not just in London, but also across the UK and Europe.”
London’s Lord Mayor usually undertakes a gruelling series of overseas trade missions, often closely choreographed with central government.
The title of Lord Mayor dates back to 1198, when the grandly titled Henry Fitz-Ailwin de Londonestone first held the role.
Evans will succeed Alan Yarrow who has family roots in shipbuilding and worked as an investment banker in London for 37 years.
