The Supervisory Board (RvT) of the University of Twente has decided on a second term for Vinod Subramaniam and Machteld Roos, currently chair and vice-chair of the university's Executive Board (EB). The reappointment, which is for a period of four years, takes effect on 1 September next.
Over the past period, the RvT held several interviews with stakeholders inside and outside the organisation to get a broad picture of the functioning of the Executive Board, and Vinod and Machteld in particular.
“From these, a positive picture emerged that supports our intention to grant both board members a second term. In Vinod, we see a strong and communicative leader who plays a connecting role and is a powerful ambassador for UT. We underline Machteld’s knowledge and experience in managing broad business operations and recognise the passion with which she is effectively shaping the necessary changes in and with the organisation. We are pleased that we can continue to build on the work done by the Executive Board in the coming period. Stability and clarity is of great importance in this turbulent period with considerable headwinds”, Sylvia Butzke, chair of the RvT, states. Last year, the appointment of rector magnificus Tom Veldkamp was already extended by four years.
Complementarity
Butzke: “We are happy to take further steps in future-proofing the university with the Executive Board in this composition. We see an EB that complements each other in qualities and background excellently. It is very important to deploy these unique qualities of each member strategically, so that the EB not only operates strongly as a team, but also develops a clear vision and gives direction to the organisation to effectively tackle future challenges and opportunities. Decisive decision-making must thereby be supported by reliable data so that broad support can be created. We believe that that task is in good hands with this EB.”
Working together
Vinod Subramaniam: “I am delighted to be able to continue to serve the UT in my role as president. Higher education in the Netherlands is in a difficult position, and so is our university. We will have to reinvent ourselves as institutions, making tough choices internally, and re-establishing and articulating our societal purpose. This is a tough challenge, but one that I am committed to, together with my colleagues. I am convinced that we, together with our UT community, will successfully find the course to calmer waters and safe harbours.”
Machteld Roos: “I am excited to contribute in the coming period to ensuring that the University of Twente continues to play a meaningful and transformative role in society. I deeply appreciate the confidence the Supervisory Board has shown. Innovation and adaptability are embedded in UT's DNA, and these qualities are more critical than ever in navigating today's challenges. With determination and collaboration, we will confidently build on this legacy. At the same time, we must leverage the strength of our community to cultivate an agile and resilient organization capable of creating lasting impact. I look forward to working closely with everyone—within and beyond the university—to foster these qualities. Together, we can achieve even greater strength as UT.”
Tom Veldkamp: “Together, we have set the stage for a new phase for UT in the past period. I am pleased that we can continue along that path with this Executive Board. I have experienced great collegiality and look forward to working together with my colleagues and the entire UT community to realise our ambitions in the coming years as well.”
This article was first published on 20 January by University of Twente.
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