News
Berend Geurts appointed as new Director of Operations at PSG
The Executive Board has appointed Berend Geurts as the new Director of Operations at the Plant Sciences Group (PSG). He succeeds Petra Caessens, who transferred internally to the Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group (AFSG) earlier this May.
Berend Geurts is an experienced leader and director. He studied Philosophy at Radboud University Nijmegen (BA), followed by an Executive MSc in Management & Organisation at TIAS School for Business and Society. Over the years, he has held various senior operational roles at Radboud University, including Director of Operations at the Donders Institute (2015–2019) and the Faculty of Management Sciences (2019–2022). Most recently, he worked as an interim manager, focusing on change management and operational processes.
Berend is enthusiastic about joining Wageningen University & Research: “My parents ran a dairy farm, and I’ve long known WUR as a household name and leading institute. When this opportunity came along, and I discussed it with people close to me, they said: ‘Do you realise how your eyes light up when you talk about it?’ That said enough for me. It’s a real honour to help push the boundaries of science in this particular role.”
Richard Harrison, Managing Director of PSG, is looking forward to working with him: “I’m excited to begin working together with Berend, as we start with the implementation of the new Strategic Agenda for PSG. His extensive operational expertise will be a great asset for us all.”
Berend Geurts will take up his new position on Monday 16 June.