Entrepreneur Konstantin Sokolov has pledged $100 million to the University of Chicago Booth School of Business for its Executive MBA Program. The program will now be called the Sokolov Executive MBA Program in recognition of this contribution. Additionally, a new clinical professorship will be established for teaching Executive MBA students.
“With this extraordinary gift, Konstantin Sokolov offers a powerful testament to the impact of the education provided by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business,” stated University President Paul Alivisatos. He expressed his satisfaction that students would benefit from Sokolov's support, which would continue to foster innovation and excellence in business education.
The Executive MBA Program at Booth was established in 1943 as the XP-1 program in response to wartime demand. It started with 52 students from Chicagoland. The current program spans 21 months and attracts students worldwide to its campuses in Chicago, Hong Kong, and London.
Madhav Rajan, dean of Chicago Booth, highlighted the impact of the gift: “With Konstantin’s remarkable commitment, the Sokolov Executive MBA Program will continue to educate future generations of leaders, giving students the insight and skills they need to move people and organizations to success.”
Konstantin Sokolov, founder of IJS Investments, moved to the United States in 1997 and has grown into a leader in telecommunications, energy, and financial services sectors. His $100 million gift coincides with his 20th MBA reunion. “I am immensely proud to be able to support the incredible achievements made by Chicago Booth,” Sokolov said.
The donation is aimed at enhancing the program's ability to attract talented students globally, ensuring the availability of scholarships, and allowing Chicago Booth to refine its curriculum and build corporate connections.
In 2024, Sokolov made another contribution, leading to the naming of the Gleacher Center student lounge in his honor. A key feature of the Sokolov Executive MBA Program is its Global Career and Leadership Development team, which supports professional development with tailored executive coaching and leadership workshops.
Consistent with Chicago Booth's legacy of fostering innovation and knowledge, the Sokolov Executive MBA Program aims to significantly impact the lives and careers of future business leaders.