I am delighted to announce that the Most Worshipful the Grand Master has appointed Worshipful Brother Adrian Marsh PJGD as Grand Secretary with effect from 7 September 2022 and in his capacity as the Most Excellent First Grand Principal as Grand Scribe Ezra from 10 September. Adrian will be invested as Grand Secretary at the Quarterly Communication on 14 September.

Adrian recently announced his intention to retire from the Board of the FTSE 100 paper and packaging company, DS Smith, where he has been the Group Finance Director for the last 10 years.

He is also a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee of John Wood PLC.

Adrian has previously held senior positions including Head of Corporate Finance at Tesco PLC and European Financial Director at Astra Zeneca PLC.

Adrian was initiated into Strong Man Lodge No. 45 on 21 December 1989 and was Master of the Lodge in 1996. He was exalted into the Royal Arch in 1992 in Strong Man Chapter No. 45.

Adrian joined the UGLE Audit Committee in 2017 and has chaired the Committee since 2020. He has also been on the Board of General Purposes since 2019 and the Risk Committee since 2020. Adrian was particularly helpful in all we needed to consider during the pandemic.

I am sure that you join me in wishing Adrian every success in his new role.

Geoffrey Dearing
President of the Board of the General Purposes