In 2017, INSEAD launched the James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Centre for the Study of Wealth Inequality, established in recognition of the Stone’s generous gift to the school

Led by Mark Stabile, INSEAD Professor of Economics and The Stone Chaired Professor of Wealth Inequality, the Centre aims to generate new insights about inequality and to mobilise business leaders and decision-makers to actively resolve them.

Wealth Inequality is considered one of the most pressing issues in the world today. It affects the way societies function and the way nations and businesses grow. It can undermine structures and support systems such as healthcare, education, and opportunities for intergenerational mobility.  At INSEAD, we believe that tackling the problem requires the cooperation and acumen of business leaders around the globe who are knowledgeable about the causes and consequences of wealth inequality. Gifts that support the research necessary to collate the data is the first step to solving a growing global problem.

“We would like to thank James and Cathleen Stone again for their generosity. The two-fold mission of the Centre is aligned with INSEAD’s belief that business is a force for good. Through our research and teaching, we look forward to cultivating responsible future leaders who can positively impact societies and hope we are one step closer to resolving one of the greatest challenges faced by the world today,” Mark Stabile says.

In May 2018, The Stone Centre launched its first MBA elective course, Income Inequality and the Future of Business, led by Mark Stabile, Jim Stone, Dean Ilian Mihov and other educators and experts on wealth inequality. This course ran at full capacity and the next course is scheduled for May 2019.

“With wealth inequality accelerating across the world, there is a pressing need for fundamental attention to the issues this trend raises.  Research and teaching by academic thought leaders may be an essential  precondition to societal policy development.  We are eager to see business schools and future business executives become ever more knowledgeable contributors to this policy development.  We are  proud to support INSEAD in its pioneering effort.” said Mr. and Mrs. Stone.