"I am very pleased that Thomas, Ingunn, and Bendik have agreed to join my new rectorate and top management team. They are extremely skilled, motivated, and dedicated people who will help realise BI’s strategic ambitions. I look forward to getting started," says President Karen Spens.
Hoholm is stepping into his first provost role at BI, where he will be responsible for the school's academic resources. Myrtveit, who previously held the same position, is the new Provost for Research and Societal Impact. Samuelsen, who has been Provost for Academic Programmes since 2018, now has expanded his responsibilities as BI's new Provost for Education.
“Delivering outstanding learning experiences is one of the most important strategic priorities in our new Strategy 2030. To achieve this, we must ensure high quality, relevance, and societal impact in our research and education. A strong leadership team will be crucial in strengthening and developing BI’s position in the years ahead,” says Spens.
BI’s Board of Trustees approved Hoholm's appointment on Thursday 23 January. The three provosts are appointed for the term from 2025 to 2026.
Thomas Hoholm – Provost for Academic Resources
Hoholm is a professor of innovation at BI and head of the school's Department of Strategy and Entrepreneurship. He has been employed at BI since 2003.
“Thank you to the President and the Board for their trust! I am excited to be working with further developing what is already a fantastic academic environment at BI. We will collaborate to continue delivering high-quality and relevant research, and we will continuously develop to ensure that our programmes provide students with the best opportunities in the job market,” says Hoholm.
As the new Provost for Academic Resources, Hoholm will be responsible for managing and developing a world-class faculty. An important task for Hoholm will be to develop a balanced composition and distribution of academic staff, reflecting the school's strategic priorities. Hoholm will have overall responsibility for BI's nine academic departments and will therefore work closely with BI's department heads.
Ingunn Myrtveit – Provost for Research and Societal Impact
Myrtveit is a professor of business administration at BI and former head of the school's Department of Accounting and Operations Management. She was first employed at BI in 1987.
"I look forward to further developing BI as a leading knowledge institution that not only contributes with excellent research and research-based teaching, but also actively helps to solve the complex challenges we are facing as a society," says Myrtveit.
As Provost for Research and Societal Impact, Myrtveit will be responsible for developing and strengthening BI's research. According to the school's new strategy, BI will prioritise excellent research that improves business practices, addresses societal challenges, and contributes to the global knowledge base.
Developing new research centers, as well as increased focus on external funding and societal impact, will be among Myrtveit's key tasks.
Bendik M. Samuelsen – Provost for Education
Samuelsen is a professor of marketing and former head of the school's Department of Marketing. He has been employed at BI since 2000.
"It is incredibly rewarding to empower students to complete their studies, achieve their career goals, and develop responsible attitudes. We will create relevant, flexible, and meaningful learning experiences that integrate new technology and address students' needs, all to ensure an environment where students can thrive," says Samuelsen.
As Provost for Education, Samuelsen will be responsible for student learning, as well as the development and strengthening of the school's study portfolio. Important strategic goals for Samuelsen will be to enhance the work-life relevance of BI’s study programmes and ensure that the school develops outstanding teaching methods. The role also includes overall responsibility for study quality, accreditations, rankings, and international academic partners.