LSE names former Stanford law dean Larry Kramer vice-chancellor

The London School of Economics has named Larry Kramer, the former dean of Stanford University’s law school, its next vice-chancellor.

Professor Kramer, currently president of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, will take up the post in April 2024, succeeding Baroness Shafik, who is now president of Columbia University.

At the Hewlett Foundation, which was founded by Hewlett-Packard founder Bill Hewlett and his wife in 1966, Professor Kramer leads one of the US’ wealthiest grant makers, with assets of approximately $14 billion (£11 billion).

A renowned scholar of constitutional law and history, Professor Kramer was previously Richard E. Lang professor of law and dean of Stanford Law School between 2004 and 2012. For a decade before, that he was associate dean for research and academics and Russell D. Niles professor at New York University Law School.

Susan Liautaud, chair of LSE’s council, said Professor Kramer was “an outstanding and visionary leader and scholar”.

“He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to lead the school in advancing our mission to know the causes of things for the betterment of society,” she said.

Professor Kramer, who has also held professorships at the universities of Chicago and Michigan, will hold the titles of vice-chancellor and president, in contrast to Lady Shafik’s post of director.

“To say I am thrilled at the opportunity to lead LSE is an understatement,” he said. “The world needs institutions like LSE to help produce the research, scholars and leaders to address the challenges our world faces.

“LSE has a long, proud and well-deserved record of intellectual excellence and global reach, and it is the honour of a lifetime to work with and for the LSE community to further the school’s founding mission.”

Eric Neumayer, LSE’s pro vice-chancellor (planning and resources), will continue to lead the school as interim vice-chancellor until Professor Kramer’s arrival.

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com