Master, Wardens & Clerk

Dr David Keats

David was born in November 1957 near Clapham Common and moved to SE London soon after, where he grew up with his two sisters, one of whom is currently very active in the Livery world. He was educated at school in Eltham and despite suggestions that he followed his Father into the wine trade, he was called to the dental profession, where he studied dentistry at King’s College Hospital in the late 1970s, qualifying in December 1980.

After a spell in general dental practice in Chichester, David returned to hospital dentistry and worked at Glasgow Dental School before returning to King’s to undergo specialist training in Orthodontics where he gained his specialist qualifications. This led to working in Hospitals in Worthing and Chichester, and in a large specialist practice in Reading for over 26 years where he was a partner for a period of 10 years.

David followed his late Father into the Painter-Stainers in March 2003, and having retired at 60, soon after served as Renter Warden for the Painter-Stainers in 2018/19 and then Upper Warden in 2022/23.

In his spare time, David enjoys cycling and the gym, and living in Mortlake SW London. He is a member of a couple of private members clubs in St James’s and the City. He still feels very guilty about not entering the wine trade, so as a result he supports the drinks trade as often as possible.

Dr Ian Rowley

Ian studied economics completing a PhD in financial economics at the London Business School. 

He worked as an investment manager and was a Managing Director at UBS and Merrill Lynch for many years and lastly as a director of Aerion Investment Management. Ian was based in London but also in Zurich and Singapore for ten years. 

He currently sits on Westminster City Council representing the Marylebone Ward, and chaired the Audit and Performance committee for six years as well as sitting on committees concerned with public protection and finance. 

Ian is a trustee of the Cities of London and Westminster Conservative association. He was also a member of the General Committee of the Carlton Club.

Ian was chair of the Charity and Education Committee of the Company for six years. 

Ian is married to Giovania, and, in addition is a dedicated servant of his Italian greyhound. 

Colonel David Swann CBE DL

David secured a Bachelor’s Degree in Modern History, Economic History and Politics from Royal Holloway College, University of London, in 1981.

He commissioned from Sandhurst into The Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars the following year. Three years turned into a full military career of 34. Highlights included: commanding The Queen’s Royal Hussars (2000-02), The Armour Centre and Bovington Garrison (2009-11) and two years as the Defence Attaché in the British Embassy Kabul (2012-14).

On leaving the Army in 2015 he first ran a Barristers’ Chambers in Middle Temple and was then Clerk to The Worshipful Company of Engineers. Widowed in 2022, he left the cut and thrust of City life for rural Dorset. He is now a charity trustee, and works part time for an auction house.

David joined the Company in 2008 and hopes to ensure it flourishes root and branch forever.

Alice Pearson

A heritage professional specialising in commercial development, Alice is delighted to be the 38th Clerk, since the Reformation, of the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers, the fifth oldest Guild in the City of London.

With over 15 plus years successful Events Management in unique buildings and heritage estates, she previously spent seven years as Director of the Household Cavalry Museum in Whitehall. Prior to that she worked at both Inner Temple, Middle Temple, and Temple Church as well as the Museum of London Docklands and the Japanese Embassy in London.