Annetje Ottow new President of Leiden University
Professor Annetje Ottow will be appointed President of the Executive Board of Leiden University on 8 February 2021. She will be the first woman to be appointed to this post at Leiden University.
Annetje Thecla Ottow (1965) is currently Vice President of the Executive Board of Utrecht University, where she has also served as Dean of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance. She is also Professor of Public Economic Law, a chair that she will hold in Leiden at Leiden Law School. In addition, Ottow holds a number of advisory roles in the public and private sector.
Annetje Ottow is a Leiden alumna: she studied Law at Leiden University (corporate law, cum laude). She began her career as a lawyer.
The Board of Governors welcomes the appointment of Annetje Ottow. Chair Ab van der Touw says, ‘In appointing Annetje Ottow we are appointing an administrator with vision and very strong analytical skills who is also a good listener. She will represent Leiden University with elan in our partnerships.’ The Board of Governors is also pleased with the appointment of a second woman to the Executive Board, following the appointment of Hester Bijl as Rector Magnificus.
The deans and the University Council (UR) have issued a positive recommendation on the appointment of Annetje Ottow. The deans see Annetje Ottow as an ‘administrator with a strategic mind who proactively translates external developments into internal tasks.’ They look forward to working with Ottow. Charlotte de Roon, Chair of the UR says, ‘The UR is confident that Annetje Ottow will respond carefully and effectively to the challenges that the University faces and that she will be approachable in her discussions of these challenges with both the co-participation bodies and the wider community.’
Annetje Ottow has the following to say about her move to Leiden, ‘I am proud to be able to contribute to this wonderful university. Leiden University is where my roots lie and where the groundwork was laid for the person I am today. I look forward to taking on this fantastic challenge together with the people from Leiden University.’
Carel Stolker will stand down as Rector Magnificus and President of the Executive Board at the Dies Natalis of Leiden University in 2021, having served a term of eight years. This will mark the beginning of his retirement. As of that date, a different administration model will apply at the University, in which the roles of President and Rector Magnificus are separate.
Composition of the Executive Board
From 8 February 2021, the Executive Board of Leiden University will have the following composition:
- Professor Annetje Ottow, President
- Professor Hester Bijl, Rector Magnificus
- Martijn Ridderbos, Deputy Chairman