Annetje Ottow appointed president of the Executive Board of Leiden University

Annetje Ottow will be the new president of the Executive Board of Leiden University (LU). The Supervisory Board of LU appointed her with effect from 1 January. Annetje is currently vice-president of Utrecht University’s Executive Board.

"After fourteen years at Utrecht University, this is a very nice new challenge for me," said Ottow. "I am assuming a new role and I will focus on different portfolios. Moreover, I know from experience that changing environment from time to time inspires me and keeps me on my toes. I am looking forward to that. At the same time, I say goodbye to UU with pain in my heart, especially to all the wonderful colleagues and students I have met in every corner of the university over the past few years".

Prof. mr. Annetje Ottow
Prof. mr. Annetje Ottow

President Anton Pijpers is very sorry that Annetje Ottow is leaving: "Annetje is a great administrator and colleague. But of course, I am very happy for her that she can take this step. Moreover, Leiden University is a wonderful institution. I am very grateful to Annetje for all the work she has done and is still doing for our Utrecht community as a Professor, as Dean at the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance, and as vice-president. Fortunately, she will continue to apply her knowledge and skills within the academic world. We will definitely continue to work well together in the future".

The chairman of Utrecht University’s Supervisory Board, Joanne Kellermann, has gotten to know Annetje Ottow as a versatile administrator. “Her great expertise in the field of supervision made her an even more powerful sparring partner for me. She has great merits for the UU. For example, the way in which she has put subjects such as sustainability, diversity and leadership development on the university’s agenda and taken them further is crucial and will continue to be of value. I wish her every success in Leiden".

Ottow will remain in office at Utrecht University until 1 October. The Supervisory Board of Utrecht University will soon start a procedure to appoint a successor.