Last week we marked the sad news that David Ogilvy, 13th Earl of Airlie, and former Chairman of Schroders, had passed away at the age of 97.
Lord Airlie’s distinguished life included an influential career at Schroders spanning 31 years. He joined Schroders in 1953 where he trained as an investment manager and worked on special assignments for Baron Helmut Schroder. He became a director in 1961 (shortly before the firm's merger with Helbert, Wagg & Co), Head of Investment in 1966 and Chairman of J. Henry Schroder Wagg & Co. in 1973. In 1977, he became Chairman of the Schroders parent company, a role he held until his retirement in 1984.
Admired by colleagues and City peers alike, he was pivotal in shaping the future of Schroders, including leading our response to the “Big Bang” reforms of the 1980s, when he convened a far-reaching strategic review, enabling Schroders to remain an independent, family run business.
On leaving Schroders, he served as Lord Chamberlain – the most senior office of the Royal Household – and as The Times reported, was a close friend of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Amongst a busy career, Lord Airlie still had time for other interests; he was a jazz singer, Treasurer of the Scouting Association and President of the National Trust for Scotland.
Lady Airlie survives her husband with their three sons, three daughters and numerous grandchildren. We share our deepest condolences with the family at this sad time.