Leslie E. Grayson

1927 - 2024

Leslie E. Grayson, professor emeritus, who directed globalizing efforts at the Darden Graduate Business School at the University of Virginia for 27 years, died on January 24, 2024 in New York City. He was 96.

From 1971 to 2003, Professor Grayson taught Management of International Business. He also developed the international component of The Executive Program (TEP) and taught in TEP for 10 years. In recognition and appreciation of his research, teaching and globalization efforts, Darden alumni endowed the Leslie E. Grayson Professorship in 2003.

Professor Grayson received his B.A. from Oberlin College and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan; all three degrees in economics. He began his international career at Caltex Oil Company, where he rose to the post of Chief Economist. He received a Fulbright Senior Research Award to study in Japan and held visiting faculty appointments at Templeton College at Oxford University in England; INSEAD (the European Graduate Business School) in France; the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis in Austria, IPMI in Indonesia; The Harvard Development Advisory Service in Ghana, and Cambridge, MA; and at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He served as consultant to the World Bank, other international institutions, and multinational corporations.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Olivia Grayson; two daughters: Carol Grayson and Judy Grayson; three granddaughters, Julia Hamilton, Katie Hamilton and Alex Grayson; and his son -in -law Peter Roberto. He filled our lives with his wit and wisdom, and his absence hurts.