Vice president Margot van der Starre steps down in autumn 2026

Margot van der Starre will step down from her role as Vice President of Utrecht University with effect from 1 September 2026. Van der Starre has been a member of the Executive Board since 15 March 2021.

Over the past 5.5 years, Van der Starre has, in her executive role, overseen the university’s day-to-day operations, including in the areas of finance, Information Technology Services (ITS) and Campus & Facilities (C&F). She was also responsible, within the Executive Board, for the Centre for Science and Culture, with the Universiteitsmuseum Utrecht and cultural centre Parnassos.

Intense years

“It has been a privilege to work at Utrecht University over the past few years,” said Margot van der Starre. “This is primarily thanks to the enthusiastic colleagues and teams with whom I have had the privilege of working. Together, during a period of great challenges, we have taken important steps for the future of UU. We have worked hard to piece together the ‘property puzzle’; we have coped with government cuts and made significant progress in making this university more sustainable.”

“These have been intense years, both for the organisation and for me personally. The dynamics and complexity of this work are very demanding. Recently, I have realised that I need more space and time for my family and loved ones. That is why I have decided to step down from my role on 1 September 2026.”

Significant contribution

The Supervisory Board is grateful to Margot van der Starre for her efforts and achievements over the past few years. Karin Laglas, Chair of the Supervisory Board: “Margot has made a significant contribution to a number of highly complex issues within the university, such as financial sustainability and the property portfolio. Thanks in part to her dedication, there is now greater focus and coherence in the decisions the university will face in the coming years. Furthermore, through her enthusiastic involvement in the university’s cultural activities, Margot demonstrated a strong sense of connection with the university community”

President Hans Brug: “I have come to know Margot as a highly committed and dedicated board member, with a keen eye for the people within our university. At a time when Utrecht University is facing an enormous workload, she has helped ensure administrative continuity and has worked tirelessly to further develop issues such as sustainable finance and digital strategy. The major challenges facing the university place great demands on everyone who works here, and certainly on the management as well. The university, and Wilco and I personally, owe Margot a debt of gratitude for her dedication and contribution.”

The process of finding a successor to Margot van der Starre is now underway. In the meantime, Margot van der Starre’s duties will be carried out by an interim replacement.