You mentioned that you are taking up the position at a time when the university is facing financial constraints, increased competition for research funding and reforms of the educational field -- while simultaneously having its own ambitious strategy. Will AU have to lower its ambitions?

I don't think so. The board and management have established and launched a process that will continue. But within AU's financial framework we must think long-term and create the scope to develop the university so that AU is also a good university and a good workplace in 10-15 years. This will be a challenge for the management, but also for the employees.

You also say that there is a need for stability – how will you contribute to creating stability?

I am prepared to really give it everything, and I am the type who goes all in. I’ve been asked whether that means I will move to Aarhus. I will. When you head a large organisation like the administration at AU, you must have your base here. I’m focusing on the long haul when it comes to making changes and safeguarding AU's development and economy. When I have set myself a goal, I do everything I can to achieve it.

You use keywords such as inclusion and communication as priorities – can you be more specific?

What I mean is that you have to inform everyone about the decisions made by the management. It’s important to create an understanding or acceptance of the decisions. I make use of both the formal and informal channels here. That is to say liaison committees and academic councils, but I also appreciate having informal discussions around the building. I also really believe in direct communication from the direct manager. That’s one of the strongest forms of communication when it comes to creating an understanding of where we’re heading.

What made you apply for the position of university director at AU?

First of all it was because AU is an exciting workplace. It’s a broad university with clear initiatives. A place that wants to think in new ways and to be among the leading universities in Europe. Secondly, I have a lot of experience from the university world and I'm ready for the next step in my career. I'll do my best to provide a good framework for the administration. We need to constantly develop, to be in a dialogue with the people who use us and to focus on creating value for them. In a time with fewer resources we need to look at process optimisation, IT support, and how we can continually improve ourselves and our services. We must prioritise in accordance with what’s important for researchers and students. That’s something you should always do – but especially at a time when there are fewer resources.

Who is Arnold Boon?

I’m a goal-orientated person who sets ambitious targets for myself. I’m also persistent and competitive. I don’t just give up. But I also invite cooperation and I’m very receptive to other people's good proposals for solutions.

How would you describe your management style?

I'm going to set out the direction for how the administration at AU must develop and I will do that together with the employees that I’m responsible for – and the people who use the administration’s services. My aim is to ensure an inclusive process, but decisions have to be taken and I am the one who has to answer for them.

Name the three things that you will do first as the new director

First of all I will get my own impression of the financial situation. Is everything under control in the short and long term? Here I will also look at revenue and how we can generate increased revenues. We shouldn’t only be looking at savings and cutbacks. Secondly, I will get to know the administration and how it looks and understand the processes and developments that are underway. I am also preoccupied with how employees and students can fully develop their talents. Finally, I need to get to know AU and I hope to meet as many people as possible in the first months so I can listen to what they see as the most important challenges and opportunities at Aarhus University. However, I will be very careful not to make any policy statements at the present time.

Your predecessor was only here for nine months – how long do you intend to stay in the job?

I’ve got a five year contract with an option for a three year extension and that’s an option I plan to take up. If you look at my CV, you’ll see that I usually stay in the same job for 8-9 years.

Arnold Boon - highlights

2006-2015: Faculty Director at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen 
2004-2006: Chief Financial Officer at the Danish Institute for Food and Veterinary Research 
2002-2004: Head of Budget Department at the Directorate for Food, Fisheries and Agri Business 
2000-2002: Executive Management Assistant at the Directorate for Food, Fisheries and Agri Business 
2001: PhD in Business Economics, Copenhagen Business School 
1999-2000: Executive Management Assistant at the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences 
1991-1999: Researcher at the Danish Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Economics
1991: MSc in Agricultural Economics and Animal Science from Wageningen University, Netherlands
1967: Born 3 January.