The Gary Lubner Scholarship
Gary, originally from South Africa, graduated from LBS in 1991. “The MBA programme was an important part of my personal development. It was an amazing experience for me, both in terms of the people that I met and the people I worked with. It allowed me to use the skills that I developed to join Belron straight after I finished my MBA.
“At the time, Belron was in the UK under the brand of Autoglass, and it was also in about seven other European countries. My first role at Belron was doing the classic MBA analysis; looking into Europe and trying to find the most attractive markets.”
Gary refined the leadership skills that would eventually shape Belron into an internationally renowned organisation that proudly publicises its core purpose as “making a difference with real care”. In 2000, Gary was named CEO of Belron; a role that he proudly held for the next 23 years.
“Business has an absolute obligation and an absolute responsibility to give back to society. People are joining companies now – not because they’re the biggest or the most profitable or have the toughest culture; they’re joining companies which have the right values, the right culture, and the right ideas around giving back.”
“I am strongly grounded in giving back to the communities that you come from. You’ve got to give back to institutions that have helped you.”
“I decided to give 90% plus of my net asset value to my philanthropic foundation, This Day, to ensure that it will last long beyond me. I quickly realised I could combine a few of my passions – my passion for leadership, passion for Africa, and a passion for building a brighter future for young people – into the Gary Lubner Scholarship.”
“We’ve had some amazing scholars over the years, and I’ve met all six of the scholars I’ve supported. They’ve come to LBS from all over Africa including Guinea, Kenya, Sierra Leone, and, pleasingly, from South Africa.”
“About six months ago I hosted a dinner for all the people that were supported through the Gary Lubner Scholarship, including the current scholars. When you hear their stories and what they’ve done since leaving LBS, it’s very fulfilling. Some have gone back to their countries; some are planning to return eventually. I just love seeing young, keen bright people who without this kind of support just wouldn’t have had this opportunity.”
“If we can support young people, put them on the right track, give them the right tools, then society will be a better place. That’s really my dream. I know it may sound slightly utopian, but you’ve got to keep hoping and believing.”
