On Tuesday 23 September 2025, friends, colleagues, students and supporters of the Marjorie Deane Financial Journalism Foundation gathered at The Economist’s London headquarters at The Adelphi to celebrate the retirement of Michael Cronk after many years of distinguished service as a Trustee.

Hosted jointly by the Foundation and The Economist, the reception brought together a wide and warm audience—current and former students and interns, journalists from The Economist, trustees of the Foundation, and Jane Martinson, the current Marjorie Deane Professor of Financial Journalism at City St George’s, University of London. The evening reflected the breadth of lives and careers touched by the Foundation’s work and by Michael’s long-standing commitment to its mission.

Michael Cronk, who is Marjorie’s godson, has served for many years as a dedicated trustee of the Marjorie Deane Financial Journalism Foundation, offering steady guidance and a deep commitment to advancing high-quality financial journalism. With a long career in the City of London, he has brought invaluable industry insight to the Foundation’s work supporting up and coming journalists. Known for his generosity, professionalism and unfailing support of students and interns, Michael has played a key role in shaping the Foundation’s modern mission. Upon his retirement as Trustee in 2025, he leaves a legacy of service that has significantly enriched the Foundation and the community it serves.

A highlight of the event was a speech by Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, who paid tribute to Michael’s years of support for the foundation, which supports education in financial journalism by funding work experience, research, and vocational training for aspiring journalists

In recognition of his exceptional service, Michael was presented with a special commemorative Economist cover—a gesture reserved for those who have made a particularly meaningful contribution to the newspaper and to the Foundation. The framed cover was a moment of surprise and delight, and a fitting symbol of the esteem with which he is held.

The Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to Michael for his generous service, wisdom and enthusiasm over the years. His contributions have strengthened the Foundation’s ability to support the next generation of financial journalists—exactly the mission Marjorie Deane hoped to advance.

We wish Michael every happiness in his retirement from the Foundation and look forward to honouring his legacy in the work that continues.