Rausing is an early investor in INSEAD Dean’s vision that business is a force for good
As a model of how business understanding can contribute to global peace and prosperity, INSEAD, the world’s leading business school, today announced that alumnus Finn Rausing, MBA ’81, has contributed €5 million donation to seed-fund and endow projects that will explore how businesses can create economic growth and promote liberal societies in developing markets.
In a founding donation to the school’s newly-inaugurated Emerging Markets Institute (EMI) in Singapore, the funds will establish The Rausing Chair in Economic and Business Transformation, and The Rausing Fund in Economic and Business Transformation. INSEAD Dean, Ilian Mihov, will serve as the first Chair in recognition of his research and teaching agenda, which focuses on economic development, business creation, transformation and innovation.
The donation will facilitate INSEAD research and teaching to impact executives directly in their capacity to develop markets globally through better business. The Institute’s goal is to consolidate INSEAD’s thought leadership on developing economies and allow the school to enrich the experience for its participants, strengthen their understanding of these regions and increase their skills to develop successful businesses.
Mr. Rausing, said, “I care deeply about helping people understand and appreciate the interplay between history, culture, people, education and free enterprise in economic development which enables liberal society to develop and flourish. INSEAD and its Dean and Professor of Economics Ilian Mihov in particular, have been at the forefront of researching and teaching about related issues. By funding INSEAD and this Institute, I feel like I am contributing to a worthwhile quest.”
Andreas Jacobs, MBA ’90D, and Chairman of the INSEAD Board, noted: “Finn Rausing has been an active INSEAD alumnus since his graduation in 1981. His generous contribution is just the latest in an ongoing commitment to the school and expanding business education around the world, including in Asia. This is a strong endorsement that we are moving in the right direction and we are grateful for Finn’s support.”
In accepting the donation, Ilian Mihov, Dean of INSEAD, said: “I am grateful to our alumni who help ensure that INSEAD remains at the cutting edge of global business education. Having specialised in monetary and fiscal policies, economic transformation and long-run growth, I am honoured to serve as the first Rausing Chairholder.” Dean Mihov further underscored the positive correlation between business development, job creation and economic growth, increased standards of living and peace and stability that can result. “Emerging markets are where some of the most exciting developments are occurring today. And this subject has the potential to fundamentally transform economies for the better and change the course of history. This gift will drive INSEAD’s ambition to develop business as a force for good.”
V. “Paddy” Padmanabhan, Academic Director of the Emerging Markets Institute and the John H. Loudon Professor of International Management at INSEAD, added, “Our aim at EMI is to contribute to the growth and development of economies. What is happening in developing markets today is fascinating and warrants a close examination and deeper understanding. Mr. Rausing’s contribution will help us in our efforts to develop quality resources in the areas of company start-ups, family business succession planning, private equity, intellectual property and innovation and consumer behaviour.”
Finn Rausing is non-executive board member of Tetra Laval Group. He is also a Board Member of Alfa Laval AB, EQT Holdings AB, DeLaval Holding AB and Swede Ship Marine AB.
To learn about all INSEAD investing opportunities, visit http://insead.edu/give-insead
