LSE appoints next Chair of Council
LSE is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr José Viñals as the next Chair of Council following a robust search process. The appointment will be effective from August 2026, after the conclusion of Dr Susan Liautaud’s tenure.
Dr Viñals brings a distinguished career in global finance and public policy to the School. An LSE alumnus, José served as Group Chairman of Standard Chartered PLC from 2016 until May 2025 and was previously the Director of Monetary and Capital Markets at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A key architect of post-crisis international financial reform, Dr Viñals also served at the Central Bank of Spain for 25 years, including as its Deputy Governor.
José began his career on the economics faculty at Stanford University and has a PhD and an MA in Economics from Harvard University; an MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science; and a Licenciatura in Economics from the University of Valencia. He has served as an independent member of LSE Council since June 2025.
Current Chair of Council, Dr Susan Liautaud, said: “It has been one of the greatest honours of my life to chair the LSE Council. I’m hugely grateful to fellow Council members, and in particular Ali Nikpay, Vice Chair of Council, for their extraordinary support, as well as presidents Larry Kramer and Minouche Shafik, and interim presidents Julia Black and Eric Neumayer. I am delighted that José will take over as Chair.”
LSE President Larry Kramer said: “I am eager to work with José given his deep knowledge of governance and broad international experience in commerce, policy, and education. I would also like to take this opportunity on behalf of Council and the School Management Committee to thank Susan for her exemplary leadership and unflagging support during her tenure on Council and in the six years she has been the Chair.”
On his appointment, Dr José Viñals said: “I am honoured to serve LSE as the next Chair of Council after Susan's important tenure. As a proud LSE alumnus, it is a privilege to continue working with students and staff to help the School achieve its ambitions both for the current community and in the future.”
Dr Viñals will start his role as Chair on 1 August 2026, effective for three years. Council is the governing body of LSE, with ultimate authority and accountability for exercising powers in pursuit of advancing education, learning and research for public benefit.