London Business School begins search for new Dean
François Ortalo-Magné is to step down as Dean of London Business School (LBS) at the end of the academic year 2023/24. He will join the Faculty as a Professor of Management Practice and devote more of his time to pursuing and promoting research for practitioners as well as teaching students and executives. In addition, he will support the new Dean by taking on a new role as Executive Dean of External Relations, working with governments and partners at home and abroad.
As Dean, François Ortalo-Magné led LBS through the challenges of Covid-19, securing new funding during the pandemic, overseeing a surge in new business as corporates sought learning partnerships to support their transformation, and strengthening the School’s presence in the Middle East. Last year, LBS revenues for Executive Education and Degree Education reached their highest-ever level.
Dean François launched the fundraising campaign Forever Forward in November 2022 with the target of £200 million over five years. The Campaign has already reached more than half of the scholarship goal, providing essential funding in support of outstanding and diverse students. This has already contributed to the School welcoming classes this autumn with the highest proportion of female students ever.
We have seen similar success with our innovation goal, establishing the Bagri Hive and creating an Innovation & Transformation team supported by philanthropy, a real catalyst of progress around the School.
François Ortalo-Magné said
‘By this summer, I’ll have been in post for 7 years, relaunching the LBS brand, navigating the COVID years and establishing a strategic Five-Year Plan. The foundations and the talent are in place with great momentum towards exciting times ahead. So, it is now the right moment for me to pass the baton to a new leader for this remarkable School.
‘As Dean, I’ve loved every interaction with our students, alumni, and executives. I look forward to sharing my passion for impactful research with new generations of curious minds keen to benefit from our world-leading research and faculty. LBS attracts such wonderful diverse talent and I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve received from colleagues, our alumni and friends of the School. Special thanks to my wife, Sondra, who’s been at my side as we have served the School together.
‘The School will be celebrating its 60th anniversary next year, a great opportunity to celebrate our history and fuel the impact yet to come. I look forward to supporting the next Dean, our Chair, David, and our community. Onwards.’
Dr David Pyott, CBE, Chair of the School's Governing Body said
‘Dean François has made major contributions to the long-term strength of London Business School during his tenure. It has been and will continue to be a pleasure to work with a Dean who is committed to improvement in performance and reputation of LBS as a leading global business school.
‘The Governing Body is aligned behind the School’s strategic Five-Year Plan. We will support François and his team as they maintain the pace of progress over the rest of the School year.’
The Governing Body of LBS has approved a global search for a highly qualified successor to lead the School through the remainder of the decade and into the next, with an appointment expected to be announced in early 2024.
