LBS announces £2 million scholarship programme

Professor Sir James Ball Endowed Scholarship Programme honours late School Principal

Sir James Ball’s profound contribution to London Business School (LBS) continues with the creation of a new scholarship programme in his honour.

The Professor Sir James Ball Endowed Scholarship Programme pays tribute to the late School Principal (Dean) through a generous £2 million gift from his widow, Lady Ball.

Sir James (1933-2018) was a founding member of LBS and Professor of Economics. During his time as Principal of the School from 1972-1984, he oversaw the successful launch of the Executive MBA and raised significant funds towards the development of the School’s Plowden building.

Sir James was also a respected economist. In the 1960s, he revolutionised economic forecasting through the creation of a new computerised model of the UK economy. He was also a trustee of The Economist, served on the Board of Governors for the Centre for Economic Policy Research, was chairman of Legal & General Group and the Royal Bank of Canada and a director at Ogilvy and Mather, TI Group, Barclays Bank Trust Co and the National Freight Corporation.

The two scholarships that now carry Sir James’ name acknowledge his long-term contribution to LBS and celebrate his leadership, commitment to academic rigour and innovative thinking.

The Professor Sir James Ball MBA Scholarship will support deserving MBA candidates who have demonstrated academic excellence, strength of character and leadership potential. In addition, where possible, the candidate will contribute to the School’s robust diversity aims.

The Professor Sir James Ball Annual PhD Award will support applicants from the School’s programme, who are selected for their outstanding academic research standing. This annual award will be made at the discretion of the Director of the PhD programme to a high performing student with research funding needs.

Recipients of these two awards will embody the values of Sir James and carry forth his legacy.

In remembering her husband, Lady Ball said:

“James was a passionate innovator and pioneer, and loved surrounding himself with bright minds. This is an opportunity for his vision and legacy to live on through the women and men that come to London Business School.’’