Report from the Supervisory Board
In 2025, the Supervisory Board observed strong progress on multiple fronts. In a period in which pressure on healthcare remains high and changes follow one another rapidly, UMC Utrecht continues to work step by step toward a future-proof organization. In our role as both supervisor and employer, we are closely involved in this process.
Careful financial governance
In 2025, we again devoted significant attention to UMC Utrecht’s financial direction. We discussed, among other things, the annual Treasury Plan, the 2024 Financial Statements and Annual Report, the quarterly financial reports, the multi-year forecast, the budget, and the agreements with health insurers. We also reviewed all relevant documents from the external auditor, including the auditor’s report and the management letter.
Targeted financial governance remains essential to create room for investments in care, research, education, and accommodation. Through our Audit & Risk Committee, we also pay explicit attention to IT and risk management.
Employer and partner to the Executive Board
As the Supervisory Board, we are not only a supervisory body but also the employer of the Executive Board. This means we appoint, assess, support, and – where necessary – guide the Board members.
In 2025, we said farewell to Arno Hoes, Vice-Chair of the Executive Board and Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, upon his retirement. Arno dedicated himself to research, education, and patient care with great devotion for many years. His academic authority, calm leadership, and deep commitment have been of great value to UMC Utrecht.
With the appointment of Louis Bont as his successor, we have found a worthy replacement. Louis is a passionate pediatrician with impressive experience in both national and international research, including associated funding and valorization. His life’s work – immunizing infants against the RSV virus – has now been incorporated into the National Immunization Program. Louis brings not only an integrated vision on research, education, and patient care, but also the personality and experience needed to provide direction and build connections both within and beyond the organization.
Although it did not happen in 2025, we are also taking a moment here to reflect on the departure of Carina Hilders
There were also changes within the Supervisory Board itself in 2025. We welcomed Michel Ruijterman, Chief Information Officer (CIO) and member of the executive committee of ASN Bank, as a new member of the Supervisory Board. His expertise in IT and digitalization will be of great value in the years ahead.
In 2025, we also said farewell to Anne-Mei The, who served the UMC Utrecht for four years with sharp insight, deep engagement, and strong societal commitment. Her perspective on person-centered care and dignity in healthcare practice enriched our discussions. We are very grateful to her for her contribution. As of March 15, 2026, Angela Maas joined the Supervisory Board as a new member.
People and organization
Within the HR & Governance committee, we discussed topics such as competencies and skills, and employee resilience and wellbeing. We also reviewed progress of the ERP tender process. The implementation of a new ERP system is a major undertaking that places significant demands on the organization. We are monitoring this closely.
The transformation of UMC Utrecht was a standing agenda item in every meeting. In addition, we held two dedicated deep-dive sessions on the high-level and detailed design of the new organizational structure and on (re)appointments. We approved the relevant decisions regarding the main and detailed design. The progress and involvement of employees give us confidence.
Strategic developments and collaboration
In 2025, we closely followed strategic developments related to national resilience, particularly within the healthcare sector. The collaboration with the Central Military Hospital (CMH) and the establishment of the Resilient Healthcare Coalition – a partnership between hospitals, the LNAZ, and GGD GHOR Nederland, chaired by Carina Hilders – underscore the social responsibility of UMC Utrecht.
The Civil-Military Centre of Expertise for Trauma Care (CETC), which was established in 2024, drafted a multi-year plan in 2025 that we discussed. This collaboration strengthens trauma care and knowledge development at the national level.
Within the Research & Education Committee, we also discussed important developments, including research grants, the EWUU alliance with Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, and Utrecht University, as well as professorial appointments. Newly appointed professors introduced themselves to us – a valuable moment to stay connected to the academic core of UMC Utrecht.
Accommodation and long-term planning
The challenge of suitable accommodation remains significant. The integrated strategic real estate plan (iSVP) was discussed extensively in the Buildings Committee and in the full Supervisory Board. We also approved several construction projects that exceeded the established financial threshold, including projects for the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital outpatient clinic, the Department of Reproductive Medicine, and the Pharmacy.
Themes such as the concentration and distribution of care as well as sustainability run like a common thread through these investments.
Staying connected to the organization
The Supervisory Board consists of seven members, divided across several committees: HR & Governance, Defense, Audit & Risk, Buildings, Research & Education and Quality & Safety. The breadth of these committees reflects the versatility of UMC Utrecht.
In addition to meetings, we regularly conduct working visits to departments to engage in dialogue with employees and stay in touch with practical realities.
Looking ahead at 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, we see four major priorities: the organizational transformation, the implementation of the new ERP system, the further development of the accommodation plans, and structural efficiency. It will be an exciting year in which many steps still need to be taken. The Supervisory Board recognizes that, due to the accumulation of major strategic programs running in parallel and being interdependent, the challenge and pressure on the organization are significant.
As the Supervisory Board, we are confident that UMC Utrecht will meet these challenges successfully. Especially because these major themes are supported and implemented by the (healthcare) professionals and employees themselves.
We are proud of the people at UMC Utrecht. Of the employees in the support services who faced many changes. Of the researchers whose impressive and groundbreaking work advances science and healthcare. Of the healthcare professionals who dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to patients. And of the staff in education who train new generations of professionals – skilled, competent, and committed to society.
Together, they are building the healthcare of tomorrow.
On behalf of the Supervisory Board,
Henk Broeders, Chair
Read more about how the Supervisory Board fulfilled its supervisory role in 2025.