Henrik Plougmann Olsen appointed as new member of the University of Copenhagen Board
With experience from several major public-sector organisations, Henrik Plougmann Olsen will join the Board of the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) as an external member from 1 July 2026. He brings strong competences in urban development, infrastructure and public governance, which will be important in the years ahead.
The University of Copenhagen has appointed Henrik Plougmann Olsen as a new member of the Board for a four-year term.
For the past four years, Henrik Plougmann Olsen has served as Chief Executive Officer of the utility company HOFOR. Prior to that, he was CEO of Metroselskabet and Hovedstadens Letbane, and a Director in the Finance Administration of the City of Copenhagen. He holds an MSc in Political Science from the University of Copenhagen.
“The University of Copenhagen is an exceptionally important and inspiring institution in our society, not only in educating future generations. The university also plays a central role in generating knowledge that is vital to public debate, societal development, and the creation of growth and jobs,” he says.
The appointment was made by UCPH’s appointment committee. Henrik Plougmann Olsen has previously been affiliated with the University in various roles, including as a member of the University of Copenhagen Assembly, a member of the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and chair of the employer panel at the Department of Political Science.
UCPH Appointment Committee 2025–2029
- Chair: Merete Eldrup, Chair of the Board, appointed by virtue of her position
- Dorthe Mikkelsen, professional board member, appointed by the UCPH Assembly
- Kristina Jaepelt, Director, Novonesis, appointed by the UCPH Assembly
- Thea Larsen, Chair of GS Committee ‘New Technologies and Artificial Intelligence’, Innovation Fund Denmark, appointed by the UCPH Assembly
- Torben Jensen, Consumer Ombudsman, appointed by the UCPH Assembly
- Poul Erik Jørgensen, former Head of Agriculture, Nykredit, appointed by the UCPH Assembly
- Jesper Grodal, Professor, appointed by the UCPH Board
- Ulla Tofte, Museum Director, appointed by the UCPH Board
- Emma Due, UCPH student, appointed by the UCPH Board
“I look forward to working on topics ranging from student wellbeing to the university’s ambitions for green transition. I am familiar with some of the challenges facing the university, including reduced admissions and the implementation of the Master’s degree reform. I look forward to contributing to addressing these in a responsible way,” says Henrik Plougmann Olsen.
Major strategic decisions ahead
In the coming years, the University of Copenhagen faces important strategic decisions regarding the development of campus areas and its building portfolio.
Chair of the Board, Merete Eldrup, who also chairs the appointment committee, emphasises the importance of strengthening the Board’s overall competences:
“We had a very strong field of applicants, and in the selection process we focused on how the Board as a whole can best match the university’s current strategic challenges. Henrik Plougmann Olsen brings solid leadership experience and strong competences in urban development and the management of complex property portfolios, which will be central for UCPH in the coming years. We very much look forward to welcoming him to the Board,” says Merete Eldrup.
As the University’s highest authority, the Board sets the overall framework for the organisation, long-term activities and development of the University.
Henrik Plougmann Olsen will replace Birgitte Vedersø, who has served on the Board since 2018 and is therefore not eligible for reappointment.
The Board consists of six external and five internal members. As of 1 July 2026, the Board comprises: Merete Eldrup, Jan S. Hesthaven, Lars Rasmussen, Ulla Tofte, Ulrik Vestergaard Knudsen, Henrik Plougmann Olsen, Pia Quist, Jesper Grodal, Dorte Brix, Dogukan Jesper Gür, and Emma Due.
Contact
Communications Consultant Amalie Viktoria Gammelgaard
UCPH Communication
Email: amalie@adm.ku.dk
Phone: +45 93 51 60 67