Anna Valtonen appointed Dean of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture
29.11.2013
Professor Anna Valtonen has been appointed Dean of Aalto University’s School of Arts, Design and Architecture and a member of the university’s Management Team. She will begin her five-year term of office on 1 March 2014, when Helena Hyvönen comes to the end of her term as dean.
Anna Valtonen is since 2009 Rector of the Umeå Institute of Design at Umeå University in Sweden.
Anna Valtonen completed a Doctor of Arts degree at the University of Art and Design Helsinki in 2007 and served as a researcher and a Board member there. Her research has primarily focused on Finnish design history and on how design is used in organisations. She has also been a visiting researcher and professor at the ESSEC Business School in Paris, France.
Valtonen served in a variety of positions in Nokia between 1997 and 2009, most recently as Head of Design, Research & Foresight. She has been a member of the Aalto University Board since 2008 and a member of the Board of Aarhus School of Architecture since 2012.
“Anna Valtonen is a respected expert in her field and combines a deep understanding of design with extensive management skills and academic experience,” says Aalto University’s President Tuula Teeri. “I am very happy that we have been able to recruit her to help guide the School of Arts, Design and Architecture and Aalto University as a whole on our way towards achieving our ambitious goals.
“The current dean, Helena Hyvönen, has successfully overseen many major changes at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture and we are very grateful to her for her contribution”, Teeri continues.
The dean of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture is responsible for directing the school’s activities in accordance with Aalto University’s strategy and taking part in the long-term development of the university as a member of its Management Team. The dean is responsible for the overall development and international competitiveness of the school, for allocating its resources within the framework of the university’s overall operating plan and budget, and for recruiting faculty in accordance with Aalto University’s tenure track policies.
Further information:
Tuula Teeri, President, Aalto University
Tel. +358 (50) 512 4194 (Assistant Harriet Jehkonen)
president [at] aalto [dot] fi
Professor Anna Valtonen
anna.valtonen [at] dh [dot] umu [dot] se
p. +46 70-8455353