Mika Hannula appointed new rector and CEO of Tampere University of Applied Sciences in Finland

Mika Hannula has been appointed as the new rector and CEO of Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK). Currently serving as the vice-rector at the University of Turku, Hannula’s appointment was unanimously decided by the TAMK board during their meeting on Monday. He will assume his new role in Tampere at the beginning of 2025.

The recruitment process for the position saw participation from 14 candidates, with four leading candidates interviewed in an open panel discussion to the entire university community at the end of September. Additionally, the selection process incorporated a suitability assessment conducted by an external consultant.

Hannula’s selection is attributed to his strong qualifications and extensive networking capabilities. According to Keijo Hämäläinen, the chairman of TAMK’s board and rector of the University of Tampere, “Mika Hannula has demonstrated strong leadership in higher education as well as successful partnerships to enhance funding for research, development, and innovation projects.”

Hannula returns to Tampere, having previously served as the rector of Tampere University of Technology before his tenure at the University of Turku. He holds a doctorate in industrial engineering and is also a professor of knowledge management.

In March, the TAMK board made the decision regarding the employment of the previous rector, Tapio Kujala, who had started in his role in 2021.