Brigadier Ed Butler CBE DSO appointed 698th Prime Warden

26 May 2025

The Goldsmiths’ Company is delighted to announce that Brigadier Ed Butler CBE DSO has taken office as Prime Warden, in succession to Richard Reid. Now a highly respected specialist in strategic risk and resilience, Ed spent 24 years serving in the British Army, achieving his career ambition at the age of 38 when he took command of 22 SAS (the 22nd Special Air Service Regiment). Ed has been formally recognised by His Majesty's Government on six occasions for his service to the nation, including Commander of the Order British Empire (CBE) and the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).

In 2008, he left the Army and began applying the knowledge he had gained in the commercial arena, first as a partner in a malicious risk advisory business before working in terrorism reinsurance. Ed’s career in the military taught him the importance of diversity of experience and its positive impact on decision-making. He now sits on several boards advising on, among other things, the nuclear sector, security and resilience technology and insurance.

Ed’s late father, Sir Adam Butler, served as Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company from 1999-2000, and although the Goldsmiths had always been a part of his life, an invitation to join the Court of Assistants (Board-equivalent) at the relatively young age of 47 came as a surprise. He realised later that the offer was made because he could bring a different perspective.

Despite counting the famous 18th century silversmith Augustine Courtauld and the great collector Samuel Courtauld amongst his ancestors, Ed says “Sadly, I’m not that artistic but I’ve always been fascinated by how craftspeople can make such extraordinary and beautiful objects.” This respect for the skills others can bring and a determination to harness different talents to drive the Company forward will be defining aspects of Ed’s year as Prime Warden.

His priorities for the year ahead include further diversifying the Goldsmiths’ Company community, demonstrating social impact – from its charitable grant giving of c £4m each year to support skills, vocational training, innovation and creativity, to its role in ensuring the quality of precious metals in the London Assay Office – and its people.

Paraphrasing an SAS saying, ‘the man is the Regiment, the Regiment is the man’, Ed believes that the future of the Goldsmiths is all about its people. “Our members, apprentices, silversmiths, jewellers and employees are our lifeblood, and we need to nurture them and have a strategy that delivers success for the next 700 years.” 

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Source: Goldsmiths' Company