Francis Finlay 1943-2023

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of David Francis Kerr Finlay CMG OBE, alumnus, Honorary Fellow, and friend of the College.

Francis Finlay was a distinguished businessman and significant donor to Merton. 

Francis came up to Merton in 1962, where he matriculated in Chemistry and had an active student life, including involvement with the Merton Floats Society. 

Early in his career, he held senior investment management positions at Morgan Guaranty Trust in New York and Lazard Frères in Paris and New York, and was a member of the investment committees of both institutions. Later, he was Chairman and CEO of Clay Finlay Inc., a global investment management firm based in New York, which he co-founded in 1982. The firm was acquired in 2000 and Mr Finlay stepped down from an executive role in 2006.

He served as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University School of Business between 1981 and 1986, and was subsequently a Governor of the London Business School from 2002 to 2011. He was also a Chartered Financial Analyst.

Francis Finlay’s interests outside the investment world included serving as a Trustee of the British Museum, Chairman of the James Martin 21st Century Foundation which funds the Oxford Martin School, and a Governor and Trustee of the Ditchley Foundation. 

In Oxford, he was a member of the Chancellor's Court of Benefactors, which recognises and celebrates the most outstanding friends and supporters of Oxford University. At Merton, the Finlay building, and the Finlay family crest in Hall are testament to his long-standing and generous support for the College. 

Our thoughts are with Francis’ family.