Skip to content

Michel Farkas started as CEO of KIT

As of 1 February, Michel Farkas has started as CEO of KIT. In the coming weeks, he will be meeting extensively with colleagues, partners and other stakeholders.

Who is Michel Farkas, what drives him, and where does his focus for KIT lie?

Broad experience in international cooperation and organisational development

Michel studied law and history in Utrecht. After nine years in the corporate sector, he worked for more than twenty years in the international development field.

At organisations including Doctors Without Borders, SNV and Hivos, he led change processes and worked on the strategic and financial strengthening of organisations.

He has long been familiar with KIT through previous collaborations.

Potential and dedicated professionals

What attracts him to KIT is the combination of social impact, international expertise, and the monumental building that holds a unique position in Amsterdam.

“I see enormous potential,” he says. “Dedicated professionals work here who are wholeheartedly committed to KIT.”

He sees this strength not only in the knowledge work and educational programmes, but also in the organisation of events and the campus. Through KIT Events, part of the building is used as a conference and events venue. The monumental building also houses a diverse community of organisations and professionals working towards an inclusive and sustainable world.

That combination of expertise, community and place is exceptional.

Clarity, transparency and shared responsibility

According to Michel, further development begins with clarity. “I believe in clear goals and focus. Transparency is essential in this. I will always be honest about where we stand.”

He sees his role as strengthening the organisation, both substantively and financially, and making sharp choices where necessary. In doing so, he relies on the knowledge and expertise present within KIT.

I do not have all the answers. We will have to do this together.

Building the future together

For the coming period, the focus will be on further strengthening the foundation and working towards a stable and sustainable future.

“There are many opportunities here. The key is how we seize them together.”

With his governance experience and substantive expertise, Michel is committed to working with colleagues, tenants, partners and stakeholders to build a future-proof KIT.

Share this page

More news

  • Seeds of Change: How Aid, Development and Peace are Linked in South Sudan

    • Institute
    • Blog

    South Sudan is a country defined by resilience amid fragility. Farmers face a landscape of repeated floods, mass displacement of people because of recurrent conflicts, and persistent food insecurity. For over 15 years, and at a cost of over $1 billion humanitarian agencies have distributed imported seeds throughout the country as a way to simultaneously […]

    Published on:
  • Celebrating Female Leadership and Academic Excellence: 2026 Eijkman Medal Awarded to Professor Annemieke Geluk

    • News

    On this year’s International Women’s Day, we are pleased to announce that the 2026 Eijkman Medal has been awarded to Professor Annemieke Geluk, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to global health. This year’s edition of the medal celebrates female researchers and academics. The jury was pleased to receive a large number of high-quality nominations, […]

    Published on:
  • Six Years KIT Fund: A Farewell Interview with Outgoing Chair Suzette de Boer

    • Fund
    • News

    In a world where access to quality healthcare is still far from guaranteed, Suzette de Boer spent six tireless years strengthening the KIT Fund. As she hands over the position of chair of KIT Fund, she looks back on a period in which both the urgency and the impact of the Fund grew more than […]

    Published on: