The Supervisory Board of VU Amsterdam has appointed Marcel Wintels as interim Vice-Chair of the Executive Board. He will take office on 17 August 2026.
Following the departure of Vice-Chair Marcel Nollen, a vacancy has arisen on the Executive Board. The Supervisory Board will shortly begin a process to recruit a permanent successor. Wintels’ interim appointment will ensure continuity in governance and decision-making, while ongoing operational matters remain appropriately overseen.
Wouter Bos, Chair of the Supervisory Board, explains the interim appointment:
“With Marcel Wintels, we are welcoming a highly experienced executive to VU Amsterdam. He brings extensive knowledge of complex operational issues within large (educational) organizations and understands what is needed to provide the best possible support for research and education. Thanks to his experience, he will be able to quickly find his way within the organization and make an important contribution to collaboration within the Executive Board and across the VU community.”
Marcel Wintels is also looking forward to joining VU Amsterdam:
“VU Amsterdam is a leading academic institution with a strong societal mission. I look forward to working with the Executive Board, staff, and students to contribute to the continuity of the organization and the university’s further development during this transitional period.”
Extensive Leadership Experience
Marcel Wintels studied fiscal economics at what was then HEAO Arnhem and tax law at Tilburg University. He has held a range of senior positions in the public and semi-public sectors. For example, he served as Chair of the Executive Board of Fontys University of Applied Sciences and Chair of the Executive Board of Arnhem Nijmegen University of Applied Sciences. He was also CEO and co-owner of De Baak, an institute for training, development, and leadership. Wintels is currently active as an interim executive, entrepreneur, and Supervisory Board member. At the end of July, he will conclude his duties as interim Vice-Chair of the Executive Board of Radboud University.
The interim appointment was prepared by a committee comprising the Chair of the Executive Board, representatives of the Supervisory Board, service directors, faculty managing directors and representatives of the Joint Assembly of VU Amsterdam. The proposed appointment decision was submitted to the VU Joint Assembly.
The Executive Board warmly welcomes Marcel Wintels and looks forward to working with him.
