Lord Jacob Rothschild, financier, philanthropist and member of Europe’s largest banking dynasty has died at the age of 87. In a statement to the PA news agency on Monday, the family announced: “Our father Jacob was a towering presence in many people’s lives.” Born in April 1936, Rothschild was educated at Eton College before studying history at Christ Church, Oxford. Scion of the well-known British banking dynasty, after university he joined NM Rothschild.
The break with the family
In 1980 he left the family bank, NM Rothschild & Sons, following a clash with his cousin Evelyn, who took over at the helm of the bank after Jacob’s father chose to follow a scientific career and lost his majority on the board of directors. Jacob thus decided to sell his share and create what would become his financial empire in the City of London: J Rothschild Assurance
Group.
The assignments
In his decades-long career he has held many important roles. He was vice-president of BSkyB Television, director of RHJ International, now known as BHF Kleinwort Benson Group, and was a member of the council of the Duchy of Cornwall for the then Prince of Wales.
An art enthusiast, he was a trustee of the National Gallery between 1985 and 1991, as well as chairing the National Lottery Heritage Fund. In 2002 he was awarded the Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth II for his commitment to the arts, literature, learning and science.
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February 26, 2024 (modified February 26, 2024 | 5:38 pm)
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