Leiden University (The Netherlands): Luc Sels, President of the Executive Board as of 01/11/2025

Luc Sels, former Rector of KU Leuven (Belgium), is appointed President of Leiden University’s Executive Board on 25/09/2025. He will take up his post on 01/11/2025, replacing Annetje Ottow, who held this position until 01/09/2025.

Luc Sels served as Rector of KU Leuven between 2017 and 2025. Trained as a sociologist, he later became a Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Management in Leuven, where he also spent nine years as Dean.

"I am very grateful for this opportunity to contribute to the future of a university renowned for its academic excellence, a model of intellectual innovation and strong social commitment. I have always considered Leiden University to be a privileged partner of KU Leuven. We collaborate effectively within networks such as the Leru (League of European Research Universities) and the Una Europa alliance. I do not feel like a stranger in Leiden. The warm welcome has strengthened my confidence and enthusiasm", he states.

Ferd Grapperhaus, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the university, says: "Luc Sels is a highly qualified administrator. His…