New Rector team takes the helm

Today marks the first day of NHHs new Rectorate.

01.08.2013 - Hallvard Lyssand

- This is a very exciting position that I look forward to taking on, says Frøystein Gjesdal.

The first of August is accounting professor Frøystein Gjesdal first day as NHH-rector. Professor Sunniva Whittaker from the Department of Professional and Intercultural Communication has become NHH's first female Deputy Rector.

The new Rectorate wishes to consolidate and strengthen NHH's position as a leading European business school.

- To achieve this goal it is necessary to maintain an even strong focus on research - especially high quality research. It is important to create conditions that reward quality and facilitate concentrated research, says Gjesdal.

The duo Gjesdal / Whittaker were elected to their positions in April. In addition to being Gjesdals deputy, Whittaker will have a particular responsibility for the activities related to the schools international education. She will lead the international committee and will thus have the academic responsibility for NHHs double degree and exchange programs. Whittaker will also be responsible for the recruitment of international students, as well as facilitating international career opportunities for NHH graduates.

Gjesdal and Whittaker have chosen to supplement the Rectorate with two Vice Rectors, Helge Thorbjørnsen and Gunnar E. Christensen.

Professor Helge Thorbjørnsen from the department of Strategy and Management and dean of NHHs doctoral program is the new Vice Rector for Research. His responsibilities include developing and integrating the school's academic activities related to research and researcher schooling. He is the dean for researcher education and will lead the new committee for research, communication and researcher education.

Associate Professor Gunnar E. Christensen is from the same department and has been Deputy Rector for the past eight years. He is now Vice Rector of Professional Resources, whose responsibilities include developing and enhancing the schools strategies and activities related to the hiring of professional staff. As in the previous period, Gunnar E. Christensen will be the leader of the appointment committee (tilsettningsutvalget).

- We have already seen through the election and in our preparation that we work well together and complement each other in an excellent manner. Now we look forward to using our experience and expertise in achieving NHH ambitious goals, in close collaboration with the school staff and students, concludes Gjesdal.