Kristel Baele appointed as President of Erasmus University

Drs. Kristel Baele (1959) has been interim Chairman of Hogeschool Leiden since May this year. From 2008 to 2014 she was Vice President of HAN University of Applied Sciences (HAN). Previously, Baele worked as an independent executive manager and management consultant (mainly in academic higher education, including Leiden University) and at TU Delft: first as Deputy Director of the University Library, then as Director of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Marine Technology.

 The Flemish-born Baele earned her bachelor's degree in Political and Social Sciences (with honors) from the University of Ghent in 1979. Two years later, she earned her master's degree in the same discipline (focus: Organizational Sociology) at the University of Belgium. She also attended the Executive Management Program at business school IMD in Lausanne.

 Baele, who has lived in the Netherlands since 1991, is also member of the Education Council of the Netherlands (Onderwijsraad), member of the Advisory Board of EP Nuffic, member of the Supervisory Board of the Dutch Police Academy and member of the Supervisory Board of VHL University of Applied Sciences (Van Hall Larenstein). She also has been active in various initiatives and organizations in the field of entrepreneurship, health care and valorisation.

Experienced manager
Hans Smits, Chairman of the Supervisory Board: "Kristel Baele is an experienced manager in the field of higher education, in which she has a large network. She has a track record in the collegial management of large, complex organizations. In addition, Kristel Baele is strategic leader and a connector focused on innovation. Finally, she has a strong international and social orientation. With her background, Kristel Baele is perfectly suited to lead the Strategy 2018 of Erasmus University, which focuses on raising the profile of the university, study success, labour market, top research and internationalization. Therefore, I am very pleased with her appointment. "

 The Supervisory Board made the appointment after consulting members of the Executive Board, the deans and the confidential committee of the University Council.

Responsibilities
Baele has been appointed for a period of four years. The President of the Executive Board is responsible for general administrative matters and is focussed on the strategic policy, international affairs and external contacts, including the Rotterdam region, industry and other knowledge institutions. The remuneration meets the legal standards ('Wet Normering Topinkomens').

Kristel Baele: "The ambitions and challenges of Erasmus University inspired me to take this step. I look forward to advancing this beautiful university, together with my colleagues in the Executive Board and the university community. The importance of internationalization, diversity and inclusion and connection with the city and our knowledge partners are themes that are close to my heart. They are themes to which I hope I am able to contribute. "

Mr. Pauline van der Meer Mohr (1960) has been President since January 1, 2010. In June this year she announced her departure. Pauline van der Meer Mohr has played an essential role in an important development phase of the university. The Supervisory Board is sincerely grateful for her contribution.