.jpg)
Veteran taxi trade figure Chris Hearnden appointed new WCHCD Master
The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers (WCHCD) has appointed Chris Hearnden as its new Master Hackney Carriage Driver.
Hearnden formally took office on 2 September 2026, succeeding Leigh Dargan following her year-long tenure. Dargan will continue serving the City of London Livery company as Deputy Master.
The installation ceremony took place before a dinner at Brewers’ Hall in the City of London. Hearnden entered the London taxi profession with the London General Cab Company in 1961 and later held senior engineering, procurement and operational roles.
He subsequently managed taxi workshops serving more than 200 vehicles before becoming managing director of his former employer. He completed a management buyout in 1999 and remained in charge until selling the taxi fleet in 2016. Hearnden also obtained his London Suburban Taxi Licence, known as the Yellow Badge, in 1972 and became a Freeman of the City of London in 2015.
Since retiring, Hearnden has driven for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans and supported children’s outings, including the Magical Taxi Tour. The WCHCD said he will attend several military events during his term, including the Battle of Britain dinner at RAF Wittering and the Trafalgar Dinner at RNAS Culdrose.
The WCHCD became the City of London’s 104th Livery Company in 2004 and received its Royal Charter in 2013. Its 32nd Magical Taxi Tour will take about 200 children with serious illnesses and their families to Disneyland Paris from 25 to 27 September.
