LBS announces inaugural Dawson Chair in Strategy and Entrepreneurship following £3m gift

London Business School (LBS) has announced the appointment of Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship Sendil Ethiraj as the inaugural Dawson Chair in Strategy and Entrepreneurship, made possible by a £3m gift from LBS alumnus John Dawson MiFPT 1995 and his wife Sam.

Sergei Guriev, Dean of London Business School, said: “Professor Ethiraj stands out as a prominent scholar in the field of strategy and entrepreneurship, renowned for his research and thought leadership in these areas. We are deeply grateful to John and Sam Dawson for their extraordinary generosity and for supporting the future of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. We are delighted to have such an outstanding inaugural holder of this prestigious professorship.”

Professor Ethiraj is an internationally recognised scholar in the field of strategy, with a research focus on innovation, competitive strategy, and corporate strategy. He has published in leading journals, and his most widely cited work addresses how firms manage complexity, particularly in multi-unit and diversified corporations.

In addition to his research contributions, Professor Ethiraj has significantly shaped the direction of the strategy field, having served as Co-Editor of Strategic Management Journal from 2015 to 2022 and previously as Department Editor at Management Science.

At London Business School, Professor Ethiraj has served as Deputy Dean (Faculty) and was a member of the Governing Body from 2022-25. He was also Chair of the School’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Advisory Board.

Gillian Ku, Deputy Dean (Faculty) commented: “Sendil’s exceptional scholarship and leadership have consistently advanced our understanding of strategic management and innovation. His commitment to rigorous research and impactful teaching embodies the values of our institution, and we are confident that his contributions in the role of Dawson Chair in Strategy and Entrepreneurship will further strengthen our academic community and reputation.”

This endowed position will strengthen the School’s leadership in this vital area and advance its mission to inspire the next generation of business innovators.

John Dawson earned a Masters in Finance at London Business School as a member of the programme’s first class. Together with his wife Sam, they co-founded and built Alliance Pharma Plc, a highly successful prescription medicines and consumer healthcare company. John credits his experience at LBS as foundational to his career and business success, and the gift to establish the Dawson Chair reflects their deep appreciation for the School and their belief in the lasting value of business education. Sam and John are Vice Chairs of the School’s Campaign Leadership Board.

Commenting on the appointment, John said: “Supporting London Business School is an investment in the transformative power of education. Sam and I are delighted that Sendil will serve as the inaugural holder of the Dawson Chair. His scholarship reflects the innovation and excellence that education can unlock”.

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