Hans Wiklund new University Director at Umeå University, from 1 March 2020.
Photo: Örjan Leek
"This is a dream job for me. I'll get to use the knowledge and experience that I've collected over the years. And I'll get to go back to higher education and research. I'll do everything in my power to make Umeå University slightly better," says Hans Wiklund.
Currently, he is Regional Director at Region Västernorrland with a seat in Härnösand, 210 km south of Umeå along the coast. In the mid 90s, Hans Wiklund studied political science at Umeå University and took a Bachelor's degree in 1996 on the same subject.
"I studied in Umeå from 1992–1996 and then stayed an additional year. I was then attracted by the Jönköping International Business School where I took my doctorate in 2002.
Hans Wiklund, aged 47, comes from the region of Västernorrland but it was during his stay in Umeå that he met his wife. The majority of his working life has been spent in his home region. He has been regional director of development and head of the secretariat at the Västernorrland County Administrative Board.
So this new post involves returning to Umeå, even if he will not move from Härnösand just yet.
"Initially, I'll be commuting and Umeå is luckily not that far – about 1 hour 45 by train. Speaking of trains, sustainable travel and sustainability is something near to my heart."
Hans Wiklund also has experience from working at the Government Offices of Sweden, more specifically at the Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs from 2008–2011. His role has been chief secretary, which is a non-political leadership position in the civil service appointed by investigators, in his case in some widely differing subjects.
"I'm a curious person, which is why I've enjoyed trying new jobs, learning new things. It's provided me with plenty of experience. It's not been my intention to strive for a prosperous career. Instead, my goal is always to contribute to my workplace by doing my best. This has led to new posts and new opportunities."
This is the first time he is taking on a leadership role in academia.
"Umeå University is a huge organisation with many employees. To achieve result, you need to get as many people as possible to strive in the same direction. So in that sense, I see myself more as a team leader and coach. Focusing on good teamwork between the administration and the rest of the organisation."
The coaching role comes natural to Hans Wiklund, who has a very sporty interest.
"My family, consisting of my wife and two children, comes first, of course. But I'm also an active volunteer in local sports associations. As a student in Umeå I trained a lot, for instance floorball with IKSU."
But his main interest revolves around bandy, a ball sport on ice.
"It was my kids who got me interested in bandy in Härnösands AIK, where I've been a coach and leader. I really enjoy committing to my children's activities. It gives me energy too."