Margrethe Jonkman studied Food Technology at Wageningen University & Research and obtained her PhD there in 1997. After completing her doctoral research, she began working as a researcher at FrieslandCampina, where she held various leadership positions in the research and development domain over the years. Since 2018, Margrethe Jonkman has been the Chief Technology Officer at FrieslandCampina.
In addition to her current role, Margrethe Jonkman currently serves as Chair of the Top Consortium for Knowledge and Innovation Agri&Food, member of the Supervisory Board of the University Medical Center Groningen, and Chair of the Facilities Applied Research Committee.
Ron Teerlink, Chair of the Supervisory Board, commented on her appointment: "We are delighted that Margrethe Jonkman is willing to join our university. With her experience, competencies, and interests as Chief Technology Officer of a global cooperative enterprise and her experiences as a supervisor within the academic world, she offers an interesting perspective on VU Amsterdam and is a highly worthy successor to Mirjam van Praag. Her dedication to themes such as sustainability, multidisciplinarity, and societal impact resonates with the values of VU Amsterdam. She understands the opportunities and challenges that universities, and specifically VU Amsterdam, will face in the coming period."
The Executive Board of VU Amsterdam looks forward to the arrival of Margrethe Jonkman and anticipates a collegial and inspiring collaboration. Margrethe Jonkman will begin her employment at VU Amsterdam on 1 November 2023. In addition to the usual extensive introduction and orientation period, she will already start working on a few files in October to ensure continuity. During the Opening of the Academic Year on September 4, when VU Amsterdam bids farewell to Mirjam van Praag as President of the Executive Board, there will also be an opportunity to meet Margrethe Jonkman.
The appointment was prepared by a selection committee consisting of members of the Supervisory Board, the Rector Magnificus, two representatives from the Joint Assembly, a dean, and a staff department director. The Joint Assembly has provided positive advice on the intended appointment decision. They also provided advice earlier on the profile of the new president.
Jeroen Geurts temporarily appointed as President of the Executive Board of VU Amsterdam
The Supervisory Board of VU Amsterdam has appointed Rector Magnificus Jeroen Geurts as temporary President of the Executive Board, effective from 4 September 2023. Geurts will assume this position in addition to his role as Rector Magnificus. This temporary appointment is intended as an interim measure following the departure of Mirjam van Praag, until the new President of the Executive Board starts on 1 November 2023. Member of the Executive Board, Marcel Nollen will gradually resume his duties from early September, if his recovery continues as it is now.
The various chief officers, the Secretary of the Executive Board, and several members of the management team will assume certain tasks that fall under the responsibility of the Executive Board. For inquiries regarding the specific distribution of portfolios during this period, please refer to Bernard Roseboom, Floor Buma, and Bart van Leijen.
The Supervisory Board is pleased that Jeroen Geurts is willing to take on this temporary role.
_________________________
Photo Margrethe Jonkman: © Jeroen Bouman