Prof. Dr. Michael Erkens appointed Rector Magnificus of Nyenrode Business University

Nyenrode Business University has appointed Prof. Dr. Michael Erkens as Rector Magnificus, effective April 1. With the arrival of Erkens, the University Board is once again complete and now consists of Micky Adriaansens (Chair of the University Board), Jolanda Lamse-Minderhoud (CFO), and Erkens.

Academic background and expertise

Michael Erkens studied mathematics with a major in finance and obtained his PhD summa cum laude in Financial Accounting from Universität Trier in Germany. Since 2014, he has served first as Assistant Professor and later as Associate Professor at the Erasmus School of Economics in Rotterdam.

In 2022, Erkens was appointed Professor of Corporate Reporting at Nyenrode Business University, where he later became Director of both the Center for Corporate Reporting, Finance & Tax and the Center for Accounting, Auditing & Control.

Erkens has gained international experience at institutions including HEC Paris in France, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management in Germany, Anton de Kom University in Suriname, and the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago in the United States. 

Strengthening the strategic direction

With the appointment of Erkens, Nyenrode strengthens its international academic position as a business university. The focus is on further developing its educational portfolio (degree programs, MBA, and executive education) and increasing the quality and visibility of research. Innovation and alignment with societal and technological developments are central to this effort.

This direction aligns with Nyenrode’s mission to educate responsible leaders and to act as a bridge builder between science and practice, across disciplines, between faculties, and between the university and society.

Petri Hofsté, Chair of the Board of Stichting Nyenrode, the Supervisory Board of the university:

“With Michael Erkens, we welcome a connecting and hands-on academic leader. His international experience, strategic insight, and strong commitment to educational innovation and research quality give us confidence that together we can take the next step in strengthening Nyenrode’s international position.”

Prof. Dr. Michael Erkens: 

“It is a privilege to take on this role. Nyenrode has a strong foundation and a clear identity. At the same time, the current reality calls for focus, thoughtful choices, and strong collaboration. I look forward to working together with colleagues, students, and participants to build a university where high-quality education, relevant research, and societal impact reinforce one another.”