Warwick Economics alumnus and honorary graduate knighted in King's first birthday honours

Warwick Economics alumnus and honorary graduate Professor Oliver Hart has been knighted in the King’s Birthday Honours 2023 list for services to economic theory.

Professor Hart gained an MA in Economics at Warwick in 1972 and received an Honorary Doctorate from the University in 2012 in recognition of his outstanding scholarship.

His research has focused on the importance of authority and power in economic relationships. In 2016 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in economics for his work on Contract Theory, his research focusing on the various contractual relationships which allow society to function – from employment contracts to credit contracts.

His book Firms, Contracts and Financial Structure has had many applications ranging from problems in international trade to law and has revolutionised the field of corporate finance.

Commenting on the knighthood, Professor Hart said:

“I am delighted and excited to receive the honour.”

Oliver Hart is currently the Lewis P. and Linda L. Geyser University Professor at Harvard University, where he has taught since 1993.

He is a Fellow of the British Academy, the Econometric Society, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Economic Association and the American Finance Association.