Powys-based Royal Mint Chief Executive awarded CBE

Anne Jessopp, who lives in Crickhowell, south Powys, has been awarded a CBE for services to industry and the finance sector in the New Year’s honours list.

Anne was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2018 - becoming the first female in 1,100 years to hold the title.

“Being awarded a CBE is a huge honour and highlights the commitment and talent of everyone at The Royal Mint," Anne said. "By delivering the official coinage of King Charles III we have played our part in history and marked an important moment for the nation."

“I feel a tremendous sense of pride in leading Britain’s oldest business, ensuring we honour our heritage whilst building The Royal Mint of the future. We’re committed to being a leader in sustainable precious metals, putting The Royal Mint at the forefront of the UK’s circular economy and championing British manufacturing.”

Powys residents named in New Year's Honours list

Dr Kathryn Chamberlain - Brecon

Lately Chief Executive of the Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens Rights’ Agreements, Dr Chamberlain has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of her public service. Previously, she has been Chief Executive at the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales. Earlier this year, Dr Chamberlain was made Chair of the Wales Audit Office (WAO).

Dennis Matheson - Montgomery

The Chair of the Tenant Farmers Association Cymru has been made an MBE (Members of the Order of the British Empire) after being recognised for his services to the tenanted agricultural sector in Wales.

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Over the last 18 months Anne has led The Royal Mint through one of the biggest changes to British coins in 70 years – overseeing the meticulous design and craft of King Charles III’s official coinage.

This included unveiling the first coin portrait of The King, a special commemorative set for the Coronation and eight new ‘definitive’ designs “which reflect His Majesty’s passion for conservation and the natural world”. 

King Charles III is presented with the first struck £5 Coronation coin by Royal Mint CEO Anne Jessopp (left) and Director Rebecca Morgan (centre) at Windsor Castle. (Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Photos)

While ensuring The Royal Mint delivered its constitutional duty to the nation, Anne has also transformed the institution.

This has included opening a new historic coin division, enabling customers to source and validate their historic coins via the Royal Mint’s expert team, creating a luxury new jewellery division called ‘886 by The Royal Mint’ in honour of the company’s symbolic founding date and launching a gold backed ETC on the London Exchange in partnership with Hanetf with ‘The Royal Mint Responsibly Sourced Physical Gold ETC’ is now listed across several countries.

This led to a £17.7 million operating profit, the third consecutive year of profitability. The changes are set to continue into the new year with the Royal Mint set to open a pioneering new plant to recover precious metals from UK electronic waste.

Before her time at the Royal Mint, Anne gained “significant experience in leading cultural change, manufacture and growing new businesses”, which was gained at some of the UK’s biggest firms, including Procter and Gamble, RAC and Rolls-Royce.

People are recognised with the CBE honour if they have a prominent but lesser role at national level or a leading role at regional level.

It also goes to those who make a distinguished, innovative contribution to any area.

Writer Kate Mosse, lyricist Don Black, who penned the words for Dame Shirley’s Bond theme Diamonds Are Forever, and England cricketer Stuart Broad were among the 106 people made a CBE in the New Year's Honours.