London, England, UK: London Business School has appointed Indian American academic Sendil Ethiraj as the first Dawson Chair in Strategy and Entrepreneurship, marking a significant step in strengthening the school’s expertise in strategic management and entrepreneurial studies.
This newly created chair position is funded through a USD 3.97 million (GBP 3 million) endowment from alumnus John Dawson and his wife Sam, aimed at advancing research and leadership in this discipline.
Announcing the appointment, LBS dean Sergei Guriev praised Ethiraj’s contributions to the field, noting that his research has had a major influence on global scholarship.
He stated, “Professor Ethiraj is recognised worldwide for his work in strategy and entrepreneurship. His scholarship and insights have shaped academic thinking across these areas.”
Guriev also thanked the Dawsons for their generous contribution, adding that the school is proud to have Ethiraj as the inaugural holder of this distinguished professorship.
Ethiraj’s academic work focuses on innovation, competitive strategy, corporate strategy and how large, diversified organisations manage complex structures. His studies are widely cited, and he has published extensively in top-tier research journals.
He has served in key editorial roles, including co-editor of the Strategic Management Journal (2015–2022) and department editor at Management Science.
Within London Business School, Ethiraj has taken on several leadership responsibilities. He previously served as Deputy Dean (Faculty), was part of the school’s governing body between 2022 and 2025, and chaired the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Advisory Board.
Deputy Dean Gillian Ku highlighted Ethiraj’s influence on both teaching and research, saying, “Sendil’s deep commitment to high-quality research and impactful teaching reflects the values of our institution. His leadership will further strengthen the school’s strategic management and innovation capabilities.”
Originally from India, Ethiraj completed his PhD in Management at the Wharton School and previously taught for more than ten years at the Ross School of Business. Since joining LBS in 2013, he has supported the MBA and EMBA programmes, led the Strategy and Entrepreneurship area, and coordinated the PhD programme.
His academic interests include innovation, organisational design, human capital and competitive strategy. His current projects explore how public policy interacts with corporate strategy, drawing on both field studies and archival data.
Over his career, Ethiraj has also contributed to the editorial boards of several leading journals, in addition to his tenure as co-editor at Strategic Management Journal and department editor at Management Science.
