Hans Wijers, CEO AkzoNobel N.V, opens academic year of Faculty of Economics and Business

Hans Wijers, graduate of the faculty of economics and currently CEO of AkzoNobel, will open the academic year of the Faculty of Economics and Business on 2 September. His lecture is entitled: 'The role of Dutch universities and companies in a globalizing world'. The festive opening will take place in the Aa-kerk in the city centre of Groningen and will start at 16h00 precisely.

The theme of the opening of the academic year is “jubilees”. The (former) Faculty of Economics was founded 60 years ago. Moreover, the (former) Faculty of Business celebrated its 30th anniversary when the two faculties merged in 2007. 

In addition to Hans Wijers, faculty members prof.dr. Luchien Karsten and dr. Herman de Jong will present a spoken column, in which they will look back on the two faculties. Luchien Karsten, professor of International Business and Management, will focus on the history of business studies, the discipline as well as the (former) faculty. Herman de Jong, associate professor of Economic and Social History, will do the same for economics.

The opening of the academic year marks the start of the new study year, which the faculty traditionally celebrates with staff members, students and guests. The language of communication will be English.