Eindhoven University Appoints Koen Janssen as New Executive President
Eindhoven, Thursday, 23 January 2025.
Koen Janssen will assume his role as president at TU/e, emphasizing leadership, innovation, and sustainability in a strategic vision for the university’s future development.
Strategic Appointment and Leadership Transition
The Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) announced the appointment of Koen Janssen as the new President of the Executive Board on January 22, 2025 [1][5]. Janssen, who will take office at the end of March 2025 [4], succeeds Robert-Jan Smits, who has served as president since May 2019 [4]. With a distinguished background in polymer chemistry, having earned his PhD from KU Leuven [1], Janssen brings over three decades of leadership experience in innovation and sustainability to this prestigious role.
Industry Experience and Innovation Focus
Janssen’s extensive career includes significant leadership positions at DSM spanning from 1991, where he demonstrated expertise in materials research and sustainable concept development [1]. His most recent role has been leading the research center at Brightlands Materials Center (BMC) on the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen [1]. His involvement in various consortia, including Syschemiq for circular plastics economy and initiatives from the World Economic Forum, showcases his commitment to sustainability and innovation [1].
Vision for TU/e’s Future
Peter Wennink, President of the TU/e Supervisory Board, expressed strong confidence in Janssen’s appointment, highlighting his strategic insight and leadership capabilities [1][4]. The appointment comes at a crucial time for TU/e, as the university navigates recent challenges, including a cyberattack that disrupted educational activities in January 2025 [7]. Janssen has emphasized his commitment to maximizing impact in education, research, and valorization, particularly noting TU/e’s vital role in the Brainport region’s high-tech ecosystem [1].
Collaborative Leadership Approach
Rector Magnificus Silvia Lenaerts has praised Janssen’s unifying leadership qualities and his approach as a warm and open communicator [1]. Under Janssen’s leadership, TU/e aims to continue its trajectory of excellence while strengthening its position as a leading technological university. The new president has expressed his honor in leading the institution, particularly emphasizing the importance of collaboration with colleagues to enhance the university’s impact [1][8].