Rectorate Handover at Hanken: Karen Spens handed over her assignment to Ingmar Björkman

Karen Spens has been elected President at BI Norwegian Business School in Norway. In her farewell speech, Spens highlighted the successes Hanken has had on many fronts in recent years: a high number of applicants, a successful fundraising campaign and a high proportion of international researchers and teachers.

"What I will miss is the atmosphere, the community and the Hanken spirit that we have. A big thank you once again to all of you who worked for our Hanken. The saying once a hankeit, always a hankeit, is really true - Hanken will always be close to me, even if I now move on to new challenges in Norway", Spens said.

Hanken's incoming rector Ingmar Björkman comes from Aalto University's School of Business where he worked as dean of the School in 2012-2019 and as professor of international business management since 2016. He will take office on 1.8 2022 and the term is five years. Professor Björkman is delighted to return to his alma mater Hanken, from where also he has so many fond memories.

“The School has a great reputation as a research-based business school with a strong position in Finland and highly supportive alumni. I look very much forward to working with the whole Hanken community to make sure that we offer transformational learning experiences to our students and that we continue to raise the level of ambition, relevance and impact of our research”, said professor Björkman.

On the photo Ingmar Björkman, Chair of the Board Christoph Vitzthum, and Karen Spens.

For more information:
Marlene Günsberg
Communications specialist
Phone 040 3521 212
E-mail: marlene.gunsberg@hanken.fi