10 Celebrities Who Went to Business Schools in the UK

Studying business and management is more than just acquiring theoretical knowledge; it's a transformative experience that shapes careers and personalities. These degrees promote skills beyond boardrooms, infusing resilience, strategic thinking, and effective communication. As students navigate case studies and collaborative projects, they learn the complexities of commerce and cultivate traits like leadership and adaptability. This holistic development becomes the core component of personal success, aligning theory with real-world successes.

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10 Celebrities Who Went to Business Schools in the UK

Here is a list of some of the most popular public figures who studied at a business school in the UK.

1. Eddie Izzard (University of Sheffield Management School)

British comedian Eddie Izzard, known for his wit and humour, entered the comedy world during his time at the University of Sheffield. Born in Yemen and raised in Northern Ireland after a family move, Izzard initially pursued an accountancy degree at the university. However, his comedic talents thrived when he befriended Rob Ballard, leading to a departure from formal education. Despite leaving before completing his degree, Izzard's decision marked the beginning of a successful comedy career for the duo, showcasing the unpredictable paths that lead to fame.

2. Mick Jagger (London School of Economics and Political Science - LSE)

Mick Jagger, celebrated as one of the most influential frontmen, gained rock stardom in the 1960s with the Rolling Stones. Originally from Kent, England, Jagger moved to London post-high school with his hometown friend Keith Richards. Despite planning to pursue education at the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) with political aspirations, Jagger's musical destiny intertwined with Richards, forming the iconic Rolling Stones. Although he didn't finish his degree, Jagger's choice ultimately shaped one of history's most successful rock and roll bands.

3. Parineeti Chopra (Alliance Manchester Business School)

Parineeti Chopra, the accomplished Indian actress, ventured into the vibrant world of Bollywood. Apart from being a cinematic sensation, she holds a triple honours degree in business, finance, and economics from Manchester Business School, showcasing her academic prowess. During the 2009 economic recession, Chopra returned to India and began her journey at Yash Raj Films, initially as a public relations consultant and later signing on as an actress. Her inspiring academic background reflects her dedication and ambitions of becoming an investment banker.

4. Linda Jackson (Warwick Business School)

Linda Jackson, the current CEO of Peugeot and former head of Citroën, is a prominent British businesswoman. Growing up in Coventry, her automotive career began in 1977 with a temporary accounting role at Jaguar, leading to positions at British Leyland, Austin Rover, and Rover Group. Sponsored by Rover, Jackson pursued an Executive MBA at Warwick Business School, balancing evening classes with work commitments. Graduating in 1992, her ascent to leadership exemplifies the synergy of hands-on experience and academic excellence in the competitive automotive industry.

5. Badr Jafar (Cambridge Judge Business School)

Badr Jafar, the accomplished Emirati businessperson, serves as the CEO of Crescent Enterprises, a major conglomerate in the UAE. Leading Crescent Petroleum and chairing Pearl Petroleum, he oversees natural gas development in Iraq's Kurdistan Region. A graduate of the University of Cambridge, where he earned a master's degree in engineering and studied astrophysics, Jafar continued his education at the esteemed Cambridge Judge Business School. Actively contributing to academia, he holds advisory roles at various institutions and is a Foundation Fellow of Eton College.

6. Vincent Kompany (Alliance Manchester Business School)

Vincent Jean Mpoy Kompany, the Belgian football legend turned manager, made a mark during his eleven seasons with Manchester City, serving as captain for eight. Renowned as one of the league's greatest centre-backs, Kompany extended his expertise beyond the pitch by studying at Alliance Manchester Business School. Pursuing a part-time Global MBA, he studied core business and management courses, earning a reputation with a stellar dissertation on enhancing Premier League football clubs' performance through home game advantages.

7. Adaeze Chidinma (Imperial College Business School)

Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, Commissioner of Health in Rivers State, Nigeria, is a distinguished Family physician, Public health specialist, and Universal health care advocate. Graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Nigeria in 2003, she pursued International Health Management at Imperial College Business School, focusing on Global Health Systems and Healthcare Strategy. With a master's degree in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Dr. Oreh's diverse educational background shows her commitment to improving healthcare nationally and globally.

8. Ananya Birla (Saïd Business School)

Ananya Birla is an Indian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. She pursued economics and management at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School, earning her bachelor's degree in 2011. As the daughter of Kumar Mangalam Birla, the chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, Ananya made history in 2020 by becoming the first Indian artist to sign with Maverick Management in Los Angeles. Beyond her musical achievements, she founded Svatantra Microfin, empowering women in rural India, and received accolades for her entrepreneurial endeavours, including the ET Panache Trendsetters award in 2016.

9. Jay Shetty (Bayes Business School)

Jay Shetty, the British podcaster, author, and life coach, is a versatile individual who attended Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet, before graduating from Cass Business School at City, University of London. Known for his digital strategy work at Accenture and social media coaching, Shetty's journey led him to produce videos for the Huffington Post under Arianna Huffington's mentorship. Recognised for his insights, he received awards at the ITV Asian Media Awards and the Streamy Awards, displaying the impact of his diverse talents and educational background from a prestigious business school.

10. Rainer Hersch (Lancaster University Management School)

Rainer Hersch, the British conductor, actor, writer, and comedian renowned for his humorous approach to classical music, began his academic journey by studying Economics at Lancaster University. His time at university included active involvement in the student comedy troupe, the Revue Group, and a leadership role as JCR president. A Monty Python enthusiast, Hersch's diverse talents led to extensive broadcasts and international tours, solidifying his reputation. Lancaster University recognised his contributions with an Alumni Award in 2015, highlighting his substantial impact on the field.

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FAQ

What university do most celebrities go to?

Celebrities often attend various universities, with popular choices including prestigious institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and Russell Group schools.

Which actors hold a degree in business management?

Numerous actors have pursued degrees in business management, and one notable example is Ananya Birla. She studied economics and management at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School.

What is the top university in the UK?

The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are often considered the leading institutions in the UK, known for their academic excellence and rich history.

What is the oldest university in the UK?

The oldest university in the UK is the University of Oxford, established in the 12th century. It holds a storied legacy and is renowned for its contributions to academia.

What is the oldest business school in the UK?

The oldest business school in the UK is the Manchester Business School, founded in 1965. While not as ancient as some universities, it has played a pivotal role in business education and has a strong reputation for its programmes.