Aarhus University has just appointed three new deputy directors. Alderman Louise Gade is to be deputy director of human resources; corporate finance manager Søren Trangbæk is to be deputy director of finance and buildings; and journalist Mads Hvitved Grand is to be deputy director of communication. Søren Trangbæk and Mads Hvitved Grand start their new jobs on 1 May, while Louise Gade is starting on 1 June.

“In the light of the major mergers in 2007, we are working hard to complete a comprehensive process of change at Aarhus University; and to reinforce this process and the strategic work that lies ahead we are now appointing three visionary, dynamic and highly competent deputy directors,” reports acting university director and pro-rector Søren E. Frandsen. The three new deputy directors will report to the rector, and will form part of the administration of Aarhus University.

Louise Gade, deputy director of human resources

“Being deputy director of human resources will be a great challenge, and I’m looking forward to it very much indeed. I feel very privileged to be joining the strong team at Aarhus University. We plan to strengthen Aarhus University’s position by implementing a proactive HR strategy with the focus on job satisfaction, management development, competence development and internationalisation,” says Louise Gade, who is now leaving the world of politics.

Louise Gade was born in 1972 and has a Master of Laws degree from Aarhus University. She is currently an alderman of the Municipality of Aarhus, representing Denmark’s Liberal Party. Louise Gade has been a member of the Aarhus City Council since 1994. From 1997 to 2002 she worked as a solicitor’s clerk/solicitor at Lokdam, Kjellund & Partnere. Louise Gade was elected to the position of Mayor of Aarhus in 2002, and in 2006 she became the alderman responsible for the department concerned with children and young people. Louise Gade lives in Aarhus with her husband and their son.

Søren Trangbæk, deputy director of finance and buildings

“Joining the team responsible for developing and implementing a new financial model for an organisation as large as Aarhus University is an absolutely fascinating prospect,” says Søren Trangbæk. He is also looking forward to ensuring that Aarhus University’s physical framework supports an expected growth in teaching and research as well as providing an attractive study environment. “What’s more, the university has a great reputation,” says the new deputy director.

Søren Trangbæk was born in 1964 in Løgstør. He has an MSc in Management Accounting from Aarhus University, and is currently corporate finance manager at VIA University College. Søren Trangbæk was previously finance manager for CVU Midt-Vest, and has also worked as an independent consultant and accountant for a number of years. Søren Trangbæk lives in Viborg with his wife and their two children.

Mads Hvitved Grand, deputy director of communication

“Aarhus University is undergoing a fantastic period of development with a view to maintaining its position as an institution of research and education that belongs to the world elite. Being part of this process is a challenge I am looking forward to very much,” says Mads Hvitved Grand.

Mads Hvitved Grand was born in 1973 in Odder. He graduated as a journalist from the Danish School of Media and Journalism, and comes from a position at Radio Denmark as an editor, project manager and studio host. He has worked for Radio Denmark since graduating in 2002, and has been a shop steward there since 2004. Mads Hvitved Grand was a platoon commander and education officer in Denmark’s Royal Life Guards during the period 1994-1997. He now lives in Aarhus with his wife and their two children.

For further information please contact

Pro-rector Søren E. Frandsen, tel. 2925 8690
Louise Gade, tel. 5157 5700
Søren Trangbæk, tel. 8755 1112
Mads Hvitved Grand, tel. 2016 3125

Press manager Anders Correll, tel. 2899 2235

1 April 2009

Rasmus Stensgaard
Communications Office
rst@adm.au.dk