London Business School Announces New Dean For 2017

On August 1^st 2017, London Business School will have a new dean. And it's a Frenchman, François Ortalo-Magné, who is set to become the school’s ninth, and first non-British European dean in its history.

It’s a move emblematic of the intentions of an international school; one which consistently appears in the global top 10 in rankings and is widely acknowledged as a center for outstanding research as well as its highly-ranked MBA and masters programs.

“I am delighted to be joining London Business School, an institution with an enviable reputation as one of the world’s leading business schools,” says François, who is leaving the deanship at Wisconsin School of Business in the US to succeed Sir Andrew Likierman in the post he's held since 2008.

“It has achieved so much in its short 50 year history and I’m excited by the prospect of leading the School to even greater success as it embarks on its next 50 years,” he says.

François started out his professional academic career as a lecturer at the London School of Economics (LSE) before joining Wisconsin Business School as a professor of real estate, chairing its Department of Real Estate and Urban Economics until his appointment as dean in 2011. He’s advised the French government on land and housing policy.

“We are thrilled that François will be joining us next year,” says Apruv Bagri, chairman of LBS’ governing body. “In his time at Wisconsin he has grown and strengthened [the] faculty, raised substantial funds, improved the student experience and enhanced the organization’s brand,” he continues.

“I’m confident that François (pictured right) will continue to enhance the school’s reputation for academic excellence and the delivery of world class degree and executive education programs.”

Outgoing dean, Andrew Likierman, will return to his previous role as a faculty member upon François’ arrival. And looking forward to 2017, Andrew offers the new dean some words of encouragement:

“I would like to add my congratulations to François on his appointment,” he says. “The rest of my colleagues and I will give him a warm welcome when he joins next summer.”