Voorzitter College van Bestuur
In: Erasmus
15 Sep 2010
I had the pleasure of introducing Niklas Zennstrom today, founder and CEO of Skype, serial entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist. Mr Zennstrom was invited by HOPE to share his story in what was marketed as an “inspirational lecture”. For a full house of students, entrepreneurs and faculty from Rotterdam, Delft and elsewhere, Niklas Zennstrom rose to the occasion. I was impressed not only with his own story of setbacks alternating with successes, but also with the quality of questions from the students. One question I particularly liked was “can you describe how you felt when you just started as an entrepreneur, when you were well underway and when you sold out to e-Bay?” In answering this question, we were able to sense mr Zennstrom’s real passion for his entrepreneurial pursuits. I could not help but thinking that this is what this person was born to do. Incidentally, at the executive board we have 3 huge fans of Skype, because without this game changing technology the university’s international reach would be much more limited.

Pauline van der Meer Mohr is president of the Executive Board and is responsible for general administrative matters, such as the relationship with the Board of Trustees and the University Council. She focuses on the strategic policy, international affairs and external contacts, including the Rotterdam region, industry and other knowledge institutions.