15 November 2022

Geert-Jan van den Hoek will take up the new role of Strategic Secretary on 1 January 2023. Following the departure of the previous secretary earlier this year, a revised profile for a Strategic Secretary who offers the Executive Board integral advice on short-term and long-term dossiers and works intensively with the deans and the Administration and Central Services Management Team (MT) was determined in consultation with the Executive Board, the Administration and Central Services MT and the Administration and Central Services Employee Council. Geert-Jan will also be the manager of Management Support, which includes Legal Affairs, Security, and Operational Management and Advisory. The Beadle’s Office and the Rector’s Office will move to the SC&M Directorate with effect from the same date.

Making connections

Geert-Jan now works as a strategic adviser to the management of the police force. Prior to this, his roles included strategic adviser and manager at Justis and the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. There he focused on very diverse, interdisciplinary issues and brought about a lot of change. Geert-Jan has the following to say about his new role: ‘Making connections between the bigger picture and people’s own disciplines is what I find interesting.’ He is looking forward to his new place of work: ‘Leiden University was very formative for me as a student and now, years later, it is a privilege to be able to contribute to its further development.’ 

The Executive Board welcomes his arrival. President Annetje Ottow: ‘In the multitude of strategic topics, it is important to clearly prioritise in the agenda of different boards and to encourage and ensure integrality. With his knowledge and wide experience, Geert-Jan will be able to help us here and contribute to strengthening our relations, both internal and external.’