Martin Jacomb
Sir Martin Wakefield Jacomb | |
|---|---|
| Born | 11 November 1929 |
| Died | 8 June 2024 (aged 94) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, barrister, university chancellor |
| Known for | Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, Chairman of Canary Wharf Group, Deputy Chairman of Barclays Bank |
Sir Martin Wakefield Jacomb (11 November 1929 – 8 June 2024) held the position of Chancellor at the University of Buckingham and was Chairman of the Canary Wharf Group. Between 1976 and 1985, he was vice-chairman at Kleinwort Benson Ltd, followed by his role as deputy chairman of Barclays Bank from 1985 until 1993.
Life and career
Jacomb was born on 11 November 1929 and received his education at Eton College and Worcester College, Oxford. After being called to the Bar at Inner Temple in 1955, he practiced law as a barrister until 1968, when he transitioned into the business sector. He was honored with a knighthood in 1985.
In 1986, Jacomb sparked debate by labeling insider trading as a "victimless crime."
He became the third Chancellor of the University of Buckingham in 1998, succeeding Baroness Thatcher, with his formal installation occurring in 1999. His leadership at Buckingham—one of only two private universities in the UK—reflected his commitment to maintaining university autonomy from government financial support. Jacomb maintained that such autonomy is critical for promoting unrestricted academic inquiry and protecting freedoms within an open society.
Additionally, he advocated for the privatization of the University of Oxford to shield it from government-imposed admissions controls and to preserve academic liberty. He cautioned that dependence on state funding had adversely affected higher education institutions throughout continental Europe.
Jacomb stepped down from his chancellorship in March 2010, with Lord Tanlaw succeeding him.
He passed away on 8 June 2024 at the age of 94.