John Studzinski (Home)

The Spectator interview

Private passions

Mary Wakefield talks to John Studzinski about philanthropy and the importance of art

By Jan Dalley

Most readers of this paper will think they know what to expect from a lunchtime chat with John Studzinski. Formerly a banker at Morgan Stanley and then at HSBC, now a senior managing director at Blackstone Group, the investment and advisory firm, he is a prominent figure in financial circles from New York to Beijing. So why, you may wonder, is it an arts editor who is meeting him for lunch at the Square, owner-chef Philip Howard’s Michelin two-star restaurant in London’s Mayfair?

On 16 January 2011 the Genesis Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary of nurturing emerging arts talent with a special evening at London’s Royal Court Theatre.

The Tablet Interview

Philanthropy beyond the chequebook

In the wake of the banking crisis, many bankers have sought to improve their image by giving to charity. But as John Studzinski, one of the biggest philanthropists around, tells Chris Blackhurst, throwing money at good causes just isn’t enough

John Studzinski, Chairman of the Genesis Opera Project, today announced the outcome of the first Genesis Opera Project. The panel have decided to apportion a £20,000 prize across the three creative teams in recognition of the different but very real achievements of their strong, diverse talents and approaches.

Boston-born John Studzinski graduated from Bowdoin College with two BA degrees, in biology and sociology, and gained his MBA from the University of Chicago. He is currently Deputy Chairman of Morgan Stanley International Limited where he has served for more than 20 years. He is a trustee of the Tate Gallery, a life trustee of the Sir John Soane Museum, a member of the finance committee of The Passage, and is on the advisory board of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Ten years have passed since I commissioned Roxanna Panufnik to write Westminster Mass that had its world premiere in this very place.  From that experience grew the germ of an idea that led to the creation of the Genesis Foundation where we strive to bring together different sets of objectives that are important to me.

By Linda Sandler
from Bloomberg News

John Studzinski, an HSBC Holdings Plc banker in London who said he spends a quarter of his salary on programs for young artists, plans to take outside contributions from individuals and foundations to support the arts in the U.K. and abroad.

By Linda Sandler
from Bloomberg News

July 20 (Bloomberg) -- John Studzinski, co-head of Corporate Investment Banking and markets at London-based HSBC Holdings Plc, said charities take a quarter or more of his cash income after taxes. Rich people should give more away, he said.