Aarhus University has hired a new HR deputy director

On 1 November, Rikke Stengaard will take the helm as AU’s new deputy director for AU HR. She holds an LL.M. degree from AU and has extensive qualifications from comparable positions, including at ARoS. Stengaard will replace Anne Lindholm Behnk, who has decided to step down when her fixed-term contract ends at the end of October.

Stengaard comes to AU from a comparable position as Chief Human Resources Officer at M&J Recycling and has previously served as head of HR at ARoS and the Mayor’s Department in Aarhus Municipality. She also has experience from a variety of positions of trust, including serving on the board of Kvindehuset i Aarhus, and as a volunteer mentor in a leadership development programme.

University Director Kristian Thorn is looking forward to working with with the new deputy director for AU HR:

"Rikke Stengaard brings 20 years of HR experience and an impressive skillset to the position. He said: She has a proven track record when it comes to strategy implementation, executive coaching, career planning and employee well-being. She’s also acutely aware of the importance of international collaboration, which aligns with AU’s international outlook.”

The university director highlights Stengaard's commitment to fostering a positive feedback culture and dialogue at the university, he said, and added:

"What’s more, Rikke has a lot of psychological insight and drive. She communicates clearly, and will be able to inspire others and facilitate development through inclusive processes. I’m really looking forward to welcoming Rikke Stengaard to AU.”

Stengaard is also looking forward to working at Aarhus University, her alma mater: she graduated with a Master’s degree in law in 1998.

She said: “It’s fantastic to come to a workplace that plays such a central role in our society. Aarhus University contributes to solving the world's major challenges, and I’m highly motivated to creating good conditions for all employees and contributing to strengthening Aarhus University's profile. The goal is to provide everyone with the optimal framework in which to achieve individual and shared goals.”

She emphasises that Aarhus University stands on a strong foundation, for example with diversity and well-being in focus:

"There is so much that works at Aarhus University, and I intend to build on that. AU must continue to be an attractive institution for the most talented employees, also internationally.”

In her view, it’s of paramount important that employees perceive that AU HR works for them, so her first task will be to listen, learn and understand what’s at stake at Aarhus University:

"Based on my many years in HR, I know that an HR department can be perceived as the place that says no more often than not, because of rules and legislation. I have a practical approach and want to contribute to a focus on seeing opportunities rather than limitations. I’ve been practicing this approach for the last 20 years, and it’s something I’ve had success with.”

Rikke Stengaard lives in Risskov with her two teenagers. She enjoys running, skiing, playing tennis and badminton, and has a big appetite for culture, both at home and abroad.

Contact:

Rikke Stengaard
26770445

University Director Kristian Thorn
30698692