Situated in the heart of London, Bayes Business School is widely recognized for its expertise in data analytics, finance, and actuarial science. Now named after the influential statistician Reverend Thomas Bayes, the institution was formerly named after Sir John Cass. We delve into the choice for the new namesake and the impact of the name change on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Located at the City, University of London, Bayes Business School epitomizes excellence in business education. Bayes Business School offers a wide array of programs, including master’s degrees and MBA programs. It has earned a strong reputation for its research output and its close ties with the London business community. The school is ranked 22nd globally and within the top 20 in Europe in the 2023 Financial Times Master in Finance ranking.
The school was previously known as Cass Business School following a significant donation from the Sir John Cass Foundation in 2002. However, Sir John Cass’ involvement in the slave trade raised ethical concerns for the school. The institution believes its name should reflect the values and principles it upholds. Acknowledging the enduring consequences of slavery and the persistent inequalities it has generated, the school sought alternative names in 2020.
The school invited the local community to submit name suggestions to ensure transparency and inclusion. The engagement was impressive, with 500 submissions and 150 unique name proposals. Input from 8000 staff members and students was considered. Following extensive consultation, the 18th-century statistician, Reverend Thomas Bayes, emerged as a clear favorite. In 2021 the school was renamed the Bayes Business School.
Reverend Thomas Bayes (1702-1761) was a British statistician and Presbyterian minister who made significant contributions to the field of probability. His most notable work, known as Bayes’ theorem, provides a mathematical framework for updating probabilities based on new data.
According to the school: “Bayes’ theorem suggests that we get closer to the truth by constantly updating our beliefs in proportion to the weight of new evidence. It is this idea – not only the person – that is the motivation behind adopting this name.”
Although Bayes’ work didn’t gain widespread recognition during his lifetime, his theorem was rediscovered in the 20th century. It has become fundamental to many fields, including data science, artificial intelligence, medical diagnostics, and even business decision-making.
In adopting Thomas Bayes’ name, the business school seeks to underscore its commitment to having the courage to think differently.
Bayes Business School has been instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous successful professionals. In this section, we spotlight a few notable alumni, showcasing their remarkable achievements and contributions to various industries.
Ahmet Muhtar Kent is a highly accomplished Turkish-American business executive who earned his MBA from Bayes Business School. He has impacted the corporate world as the Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. Under his guidance, The Coca-Cola Company has continued to thrive as an industry leader through Kent’s strategic vision and extensive experience in the business realm.
Alex Ryland is a Bayes Business School alumnus who graduated with an MSc in Shipping, Trade & Finance. He’s gone on to have an impressive career in ship finance career as a Senior Director at the Royal Bank of Scotland and now at DNB as Head of Ocean Industries CEMEA.
Shelley Doorey-Williams distinguished herself at UBS before joining the Modular Executive MBA at Bayes. With nearly three decades of experience in business management and corporate governance, Doorey-Williams is a respected figure in financial services. She is known for her passionate advocacy for gender diversity in finance. Her commitment to fostering a diverse industry earned her a seat on the Board of Governors of The London Institute of Banking and Finance.
In the spirit of its namesake, Bayes Business School looks forward to a future filled with intellectual curiosity, innovation, and data-driven decision-making. The school aims to continue its journey of empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly data-oriented business world.
Stepping away from the legacy of Sir John Cass, Bayes Business School reflects its commitment to social responsibility. Progressing toward a more inclusive and equitable future started with renaming the school to match constant learning principles. Complementing these efforts, the school launched undergraduate scholarships specifically for Black British students to address their historic underrepresentation.
We can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Bayes Business School and which other institutions might follow in their footsteps.
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