Professor Alan Rugman

Tuesday, 08 July 2014

The University is sad to announce the sudden death last night of Professor Alan Rugman, the Head of International Business and Strategy at Henley Business School.

Alan was an early proponent of Internalisation Theory, which he developed in his most important book, Inside the Multinationals, published in 1981 and over 300 articles during his career, dealing with the economic, managerial and strategic aspects of multinational enterprises, trade and investment policy. He acted as a consultant to leading multinationals; to the Canadian Government, including during the negotiations before joining NAFTA; and to the United Nations.

Alan was associated with the University over four decades - initially during a one-year sabbatical in the 1970s and latterly after joining Henley in 2007 and as a founding fellow of the John Dunning Centre for International Business.

Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell said: "Alan's outstanding academic record speaks for itself. His research has shaped how academics and policymakers around the world view international business - a fitting legacy to a lifetime of dedicated work.

"Alan will be much missed by colleagues and friends across the institution. He was an influential figure after the merger between Henley Management College and the University. Our thoughts though are most especially with his family at this very sad time."

Henley Business School has published a full tribute to his life and work.