Kaj Storbacka new Dean at Hanken

– One of my most important tasks will be to ensure Hanken remains relevant and important for businesses. The government model for funding universities is not optimal from this point of view as it does not encourage co-operation with companies. Therefore, it is not enough to fulfil the requirements that the Ministry of Education and Culture defines. I want us to work harder and make sure Hanken participates in developing solutions to the increasingly complex challenges businesses are facing, Storbacka says.

– The Covid-19 pandemic has forced both companies and consumers to change their ways of thinking. Now there is a momentum for change and Hanken can offer knowledge and research helping companies adapt to the new situation. This makes it particularly inspiring to start as Dean right now, Storbacka says.

– Kaj Storbacka has throughout his own career focused on securing both academic and managerial relevance, and this makes him uniquely qualified for the position, says Rector Karen Spens.

Storbacka has over 35 years of experience as a strategy consultant. In 1992 he started a management consultancy Vectia with operations in six different countries in Europe and in Asia. At the same time Storbacka continued his academic research and his work has been published in highly ranked journals. He is now one of the most cited researchers at Hanken. To make his research accessible for managers, Storbacka has also taught at MBA and executive education programs globally as well as published several managerial books.

After selling Vectia, Storbacka worked ten years at the University of Auckland Business School in New Zeeland. He has also earlier worked as professor at Nyenrode Business Universiteit in The Netherlands. Storbacka returned to Hanken in September 2020.

The Board of Hanken appointed Storbacka at its meeting on Tuesday. At the same meeting professor Maria Holmlund-Rytkönen was appointed Dean of Programmes and Quality Assurance. Professor David Grant’s appointment as Dean of Research and Societal Impact was extended. Storbacka and Holmlund-Rytkönen will take office on 1.8.2021. In addition to these three Deans, professor Sören Kock continues as Dean of Education and Rector’s Representative in Vaasa. The appointments of all Deans are until 31.7.2023.

For further information, please contact:
Professor Kaj Storbacka, kaj.storbacka@hanken.fi or phone +358 400 645 401
Manager for marketing and communication Annamari Huovinen, annamari.huovinen@hanken.fi or phone +358 50 589 7097