Nigel Morris appointed new director of The Economist Group

The Economist Group this week announced the appointment of Nigel Morris as non-executive director. Nigel Morris is the co-founder and former president of Capital One Financial Corporation. He is a governor of the London Business School.

Commenting on the appointment, chief executive Helen Alexander said, “I am delighted that Nigel is joining the Board. He is a visionary entrepreneur who will bring a wealth of international business experience that will be valuable to The Economist Group as we continue to develop our global brands. Nigel’s customer focus and technology experience is particularly relevant as we develop our business.”

Nigel Morris said: “I look forward to taking on this role. The Economist Group has been performing very well, despite an advertising recession. The Group has strong international brands as well as the skills to develop new ideas for a sophisticated audience.”

(January 25th 2006)

Biography

Nigel Morris co-founded Capital One Financial Services (www.capitalone.com) in 1994 with Rich Fairbank. Capital One quickly grew from an industry fledgling to one of the greatest success stories in the financial services industry. Capital One has been recognised for its technology, innovation and entrepreneurial culture and has been the recipient of numerous corporate and business awards including:

As the co-architect of Capital One”s successful Information-Based Strategy (IBS), Mr. Morris has presented keynote addresses at international forums hosted by The Financial Times, BusinessWeek, and The American Banker. Mr Morris is regularly requested to provide his perspective to international business and industry publications.

Mr Morris has personally earned numerous awards and accolades, including “Entrepreneur of the Year” by London Business School; “Most Influential Personalities in Financial Services” and “Future Banker of the Year” by Future Banker; and one of “20 Who Made it Happen” by CIO Magazine—a list of leaders who “used technology creatively and with great foresight to transform their organisations and their industry.”

Mr Morris was vice-chairman of the Council on the Future of the State of Virginia which included guiding the formation of Virginia’s Commission on Efficiency and Effectiveness and, more recently, drawing upon his business savvy and strategic counsel to build the Governor’s Council on Virginia’s Future.

Mr Morris has led his company’s innovative efforts to address community needs through philanthropy and volunteerism, resulting in numerous awards, including the prestigious National Outstanding Corporate Community Involvement Award from the Points of Light Foundation, the Governor’s Community Service and Volunteerism Award, and the Virginia Community College System and Business and Industry Partnership Award.

Mr Morris has served on Capital One’s US Board since its inception and as Chairman of the International Board since 1996. He also served on the Board of Covance from 1996–2002 and chaired the company’s governance committee. Mr Morris is a Governor of the London Business School.

Originally from England, Mr Morris earned a Masters of Science with Distinction from the London Business School. He and his wife Lori live in Virginia with their four children.