Marcel Nollen, Vice-Chair of the Executive Board of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, will begin a phased return to work in September as part of his reintegration following a period of sick leave. Marcel Nollen has been on sick leave in recent months and was therefore temporarily unable to carry out his duties.
Marcel Nollen will gradually resume his work in the run-up to the next academic year. However, he will return in a different capacity rather than as Vice-Chair of the Executive Board. As his second term of office was due to end in the autumn of 2027, he has decided to step down as Vice-Chair with effect from 1 July 2026, ahead of schedule. During his final year, he will focus on institution-wide strategic projects. To ensure an appropriate balance in the distribution of responsibilities and the continuity of the Executive Board, it has been decided to appoint an interim board member who will assume responsibility for Nollen's portfolio. Executive Board Chair Margrethe Jonkman said: “We have greatly missed Marcel’s expertise and experience in recent months, and we look forward to welcoming him back. Although we will be working together in a different way, Marcel remains a valued colleague and a trusted sounding board.”
At the start of the academic year, a farewell event will be organised at which Marcel Nollen will formally bid farewell as a member of the Executive Board. “After seven years as part of the Executive Board, it is time for me to take a new direction. I look back with great satisfaction and pride on what we have achieved together with colleagues over the past years. VU Amsterdam holds a special place in my heart: a remarkable university with significant societal impact, where I have had the privilege of working alongside colleagues and external partners to build knowledge, innovation, and a future that not only strengthens VU Amsterdam itself, but also the Zuidas, Amsterdam, and far beyond. Although I am stepping down from my role as Vice-Chair, I am not yet saying a definitive farewell to VU Amsterdam. I look forward to continuing to contribute, together with colleagues and partners, to the mission of VU on an interim basis in the coming year. I would like to thank everyone for their trust, the inspiring collaboration, and all the valuable encounters.”
The Supervisory Board expresses its great appreciation for Marcel’s commitment and contribution to VU Amsterdam. The Supervisory Board will appoint an interim Vice-Chair in the near future. Subsequently, the recruitment process for a new board member will be initiated, who is expected to take office in the beginning of 2027. The employee participation bodies will be involved in the appointment process in accordance with the usual procedures.