Financier, Philanthropist, and Chairman of E.L. Rothschild

 

Sir Evelyn de Rothschild (1931–2022) was one of the most influential financiers and philanthropists of his generation. A member of the Rothschild family, he devoted his career to the family's banking house and to an extensive body of charitable, civic, and cultural work. He served as Chairman of E.L. Rothschild, a family investment company, and as Chairman of the ERANDA Rothschild Foundation, a family foundation he established in 1967 to support charities working in medical research, health and welfare, education, and the arts.

 

A Career at the Helm of N M Rothschild & Sons

 

Born in London and educated at Harrow School and Trinity College, Cambridge, Sir Evelyn joined the family business after his national service and rose to lead it. From 1976 until 2003, he was Chairman and CEO of N M Rothschild and Sons Ltd, the international investment bank.  As reported at the time of his death, during his tenure, Sir Evelyn de Rothschild grew his family’s bank’s total assets from £40 million to £4.6 billion. During his tenure, the bank became a defining force in privatization at home and abroad. He also advised Queen Elizabeth II on financial matters, reflecting the trust placed in his judgment at the highest levels of British public life. His stewardship culminated in 2003 with the merger of the family's French and British banking houses

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Leadership Across Business and Industry

 

Sir Evelyn de Rothschild's influence extended well beyond banking. He served as Chairman of the Economist Group from 1972 to 1989 and as Chairman of United Racecourses Ltd from 1977 to 1994. He also sat on the Board of Directors of De Beers and IBM UK, and held the post of Deputy Chairman of the Milton Keynes Development Corporation. A lifelong enthusiast of the turf, he was a respected owner-breeder whose horses, raised at his Southcourt Stud in Bedfordshire, included the celebrated Crystal Ocean.

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A Commitment to Philanthropy and Public Service

 

Charitable and institutional service ran throughout Sir Evelyn's life. He chaired the Delegacy for St Mary's Hospital Medical School and the Board of Governors of The Technion, served as a Trustee of the Shakespeare Globe Trust and The Interfaith Foundation, and acted as President of The Evelina Children's Hospital Appeal. He was a Governor Emeritus of the London School of Economics and Political Science, a Fellow of Imperial College London, a member of the Advisory Board of The Global Strategy Forum, and Honorary Life President of Norwood and Ravenswood Children's Charity.

 

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Honors and Legacy

 

In 1989, Sir Evelyn was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to banking and finance. He was married to Lynn Forester de Rothschild and was the father of three children and stepfather of two. He passed away at his home in London on November 7, 2022, leaving a legacy that spans finance, industry, philanthropy, and a deep tradition of public service.