Olesen succeeds von Gabain as EIT chairman

The Governing Board of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has unanimously elected Peter Olesen as its next chairman. Olesen will succeed Alexander von Gabain, whose mandate ends on 31 July 2014.

Olesen said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been elected chairman by my fellow Governing Board members and would like to thank Alexander for his outstanding leadership of the EIT. I am very much looking forward to taking on this challenge and continue to shape the EIT in its next growth stage as outlined in the EIT Strategic Innovation Agenda.

“Following the successful set up of the Institute and its first three KICs, the next few years will be decisive for the EIT as we continue to strengthen the activities of the existing KICs and expand our portfolio of KICs, with the designation of two new ones in December this year and preparations for the launch of two new ones in 2016.”

Adding this thoughts, von Gabain said: “I am extremely pleased that Peter will succeed me as chairman of the EIT Governing Board in August. With his drive, experience within the knowledge triangle and under his leadership, I am convinced that the EIT will continue to thrive with its strategic focus on boosting entrepreneurial mindset across Europe and increase its impactful investment into Europe’s innovation landscape.”

As set out in the EIT regulation, von Gabain’s term as chairman and member of the EIT Governing Board will come to an end six years after his first appointment.