Embargoed until 00.01 Wednesday 21 June 2000

Sir Christopher Benson, whose business career has included the Chairmanship of the London Dockland Development Corporation, and Chairman of some of the UK's leading pharmaceutical, insurance and construction companies, has been elected as President of London Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

He is currently Principal of the Inns of Court School of Law, Chairman of Legacy plc, Symphony Plastic Technology plc, Bradford Particle Design, mi2g software, the Partnership Board of GVA Grimley, a member of the Advisory Board of Hawkpoint Partners and a Board member of the London Chamber.

Sir Christopher, who was Chairman of the LDDC from 1984-88 and knighted in 1988 for public service, has had a long and varied business career. He was Managing Director of MEPC plc, the then-largest UK based internationally-operating property development company between 1976-88, and Chairman of MEPC from 1988 to 1993.

Other senior positions he has held have included chairmanships of The Boots Company plc (1990-94); Sun Alliance and London Insurance Group and Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance (1996-98), Albright & Wilson (1995-98) and Costain plc (1993-96).

Commenting on his election, Sir Christopher said: "Being elected as the London Chamber's President is a great honour. It is a very exciting time with London's economy thriving and the new London government structures in place. I am looking forward to representing the membership of the Chamber in its dealings with Government, the new Mayor and the Greater London Authority."

Sir Christopher succeeds Colin Parsons, former Group Chairman of Taylor Woodrow, as President of the London.