LBS honours leading academic and inspirational business leaders

Leading figures from academia and the world of business have been recognised by London Business School (LBS) at its recent annual Congregation celebrations at Royal Festival Hall in London. The celebratory event, which took place from 30 June until 2 July, saw the honourees join more than 1,400 Degree Education and PhD students as they marked their achievements in front of family and friends.

An Honorary Doctorate was presented to John Y. Campbell, the Morton L. and Carole S. Olshan Professor of Economics at Harvard University. Professor Campbell is one of the world’s most influential scholars in economics and finance, and this award recognises the outstanding distinction he has attained in academia.

His Honorary Doctorate was presented to him by Francisco Gomes, Professor of Finance at LBS, a former PhD student of Professor Campbell’s who praised his achievements in helping to shape modern academic thinking in financial economics and macroeconomics. Accepting his award, Professor Campbell highlighted the importance of seizing opportunities to the Executive MBA, Sloan and Masters in Finance students graduating on 30 June.

Honorary Fellowships, for exceptional service to LBS and/or outstanding distinction in business, were awarded to:

• Antoinette Vermilye, Co-founder, Gallifrey Foundation and SHE Changes Climate

• Feike Sijbesma, Chairman, Supervisory Board, Royal Philips and former CEO, Royal DSM

• Richard Alan Frost, School Secretary, London Business School (2007-2025).

Antoinette Vermilye was presented with her Honorary Fellowship by Rajesh Chandy, Tony and Maureen Wheeler Chair in Entrepreneurship; Academic Director, Wheeler Institute for Business and Development; Professor of Marketing at LBS who praised her for making a difference to the world. He shared the four lessons he takes from her with those graduating: pick big problems and work on them; communicate them by personalising the details, making them relevant and connecting them to the big picture; create coalitions; always be learning. He noted that she reflects the values that LBS holds dear: curiosity, commitment, generosity, and community.

Addressing graduating Masters in Management, Masters in Financial Analysis and Masters in Analytics and Management students, Antoinette encouraged them to face the climate challenge head on and to lead with empathy. She said:

“Understanding what someone needs and not just what they are asking for is one of the most powerful skills one can have at a negotiating table…and in life.”

Feike Sijbesma was presented with his honour by Gillian Ku, Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Deputy Dean (Faculty), who praised him for his corporate achievements and his advocacy of sustainability, climate action and inclusive leadership.

Referencing Charles Darwin’s survival of the fittest theory, he encouraged graduates from LBS’s MBA, One-year MBA and PhD programmes to adapt to a changing world, to contribute to it and to change it through their actions. He stressed that leadership is not about gaining power through a title, but about accepting that leadership is the power to act in a reasonable way for the world. “The world needs leaders who can help change the world,” he told graduates.

Richard Frost, who served the School with distinction from 2007 until 2025, was awarded his honorary fellowship by Sendil Ethiraj, Dawson Chair in Strategy and Entrepreneurship; Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship. Speaking about why he had stayed at the School for 26 years, he highlighted being given the opportunity to expand his role, stretch himself and develop new skills; having a positive sense of purpose; and the people he worked with.

“I hope that you too will find roles that give you challenging opportunities, a sense of purpose and the support of excellent colleagues,” he told the newest members of LBS’ expanding alumni community.