Evelyn de Rothschild
Sir Evelyn de Rothschild | |
|---|---|
| Born | Evelyn Robert Adrian de Rothschild 29 August 1931 |
| Died | 7 November 2022 (aged 91) London, England |
| Occupation(s) | Financier, businessman |
| Years active | 1957–2004 |
| Known for | Chairman of N M Rothschild & Sons, founder of Eranda Foundation |
Sir Evelyn Robert Adrian de Rothschild (29 August 1931 – 7 November 2022) was a prominent British financier and a distinguished member of the Rothschild family.
Early life
Born on 29 August 1931 into a Jewish lineage, Evelyn de Rothschild was the son of Anthony Gustav de Rothschild (1887–1961) and Yvonne Lydia Louise Cahen d'Anvers (1899–1977). He received his name in honor of his uncle, Evelyn Achille de Rothschild, who lost his life during World War I. During World War II, Evelyn spent part of his youth residing in the United States. His education included attendance at Harrow School, followed by studies in history at Trinity College, Cambridge, although he departed before completing his degree.
As an heir to considerable family wealth, he gained recognition as one of England’s most sought-after bachelors. His interests encompassed travel, social engagements, high-performance sports cars, thoroughbred horse racing, and polo. At the age of 26, he commenced his professional journey within the family banking enterprise, N M Rothschild & Sons, undertaking business training. In 1955, shortly prior to his entry into the firm, his father stepped down from the chairmanship due to health issues, with cousin Victor Rothschild succeeding him.
Career
In 1968, Evelyn de Rothschild was appointed director of the Paris-based 'de Rothschild Frères, while Guy de Rothschild from the French branch became a partner at N M Rothschild & Sons. He took over as chairman of the bank in 1976, succeeding Victor Rothschild. By 1982, he had assumed the role of chairman at Rothschilds Continuation Holdings AG, which served as the group’s coordinating entity. Between 1994 and 2003, he acted as co-chairman of Rothschild Bank A.G., Zurich. During this period, he orchestrated the union of the family's French and UK arms. Following this merger, David René de Rothschild took on executive chairmanship of Rothschild International, while Evelyn remained as non-executive chairman of N M Rothschild & Sons.
In 2003, together with his wife Lynn Forester de Rothschild, he established E.L. Rothschild—a holding company overseeing investments such as The Economist and ventures in India. The following year, Evelyn departed from Rothschild & Co's banking operations amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
Throughout his career, Evelyn held several influential positions across both private enterprises and public institutions:
- Deputy Chairman – Milton Keynes Development Corporation (1971–1984)
- Chairman – The Economist (1972–1989)
- Director – IBM United Kingdom Holdings Limited (1972–1995)
- Chairman – United Racecourses (1977–1994)
- Director – De Beers Consolidated Mines (1977–1994)
- Chairman – British Merchant Banking & Securities House Association (1985–1989)
Additionally, he served on the boards of newspaper groups controlled by Lord Beaverbrook and later Lord Black's Daily Telegraph. As an owner of thoroughbred racehorses, he also held the position of chairman at United Racecourses.
Philanthropic activities
In 1967, de Rothschild established the Eranda Foundation with a mission to advance social welfare initiatives, support artistic endeavors, and foster medical and educational research.
He acted as a financial adviser to Queen Elizabeth II and was a Governor at the London School of Economics. A dedicated supporter of arts and charitable organizations, he chaired the Delegacy of St Mary's Hospital Medical School from 1977 to 1988. His involvement extended to serving on the Council of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and acting as trustee for the Shakespeare Globe Trust. In 1998, he was appointed Chairman of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers. He founded The European Association for Banking and Financial History in 1990 and led it until 2004. Furthermore, he contributed as a board member for the Snowdon Trust, which offers scholarships and grants to students with disabilities.
Personal life
Evelyn de Rothschild's first marriage took place in 1966 when he wed Jeannette Bishop, who was the niece of renowned jet-engine designer Sir Stanley Hooker; their union ended in divorce by 1971. Around 1980 or 1981, Bishop passed away under unclear circumstances alongside a former cook employed by the family.
In 1973, he entered into matrimony with Victoria Lou Schott (1949–2021), the daughter of Lewis Schott, a property developer from Florida. Their marriage lasted until 2000 and produced three children: Jessica, who pursued a career as a theatre director; Anthony James, who married Danish model and television host Tania Strecker; and David Mayer de Rothschild.
On 30 November 2000, Rothschild married Lynn Forester, an American attorney and businesswoman previously leading Luxembourg-based FirstMark Communications Europe and formerly married to New York political figure Andrew Stein. This marriage brought two stepchildren into his family. Following their wedding, the couple spent their honeymoon at the White House.
Honours
In recognition of his contributions, Evelyn de Rothschild was knighted as a Knight Bachelor during the 1989 New Year Honours.
Death
Sir Evelyn de Rothschild maintained residences in London, New York City, Martha's Vineyard, and Buckinghamshire, where he resided at Ascott House, a property managed by the National Trust. He passed away at his London residence due to a stroke on 7 November 2022 at the age of 91.
Sexual harassment and assault allegations
In 2025, several women came forward posthumously accusing de Rothschild of sexual harassment and assault occurring during the 1990s. According to reports from The Guardian, sources claimed he engaged in inappropriate conduct toward junior banking staff, including serious assaults and acts of coercion.
External links
- Interview with Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, financialexpress.com. Accessed 11 December 2022.
- "Can't Buy Me Love" at Forbes (2001)
- Interview with Lady de Rothschild at Condé Nast Portfolio.com (2007)