Mari Kleist appointed as new rector of Ilisimatusarfik

The board of Ilisimatusarfik has appointed Mari Kleist as the university's new rector, and she will officially take up the position on 1 December 2025.

"We are delighted to welcome Mari Kleist as the new rector of Ilisimatusarfik. She is a strong and visionary leader who knows both the university and its importance in society. With Mari at the helm, Ilisimatusarfik will have a rector who combines academic gravitas with a deep understanding of organizational matters", says Eyjólfur Guðmundsson, chairperson of the board of Ilisimatusarfik.

Mari Kleist has been pro-rector at Ilisimatusarfik since 1 February 2025, and prior to that, she was Head of the Institute of Culture, Language & History. She has thus played a central role in Ilisimatusarfik's management and development in recent years.

With many years of experience in both research and management, Mari Kleist brings solid academic and strategic expertise to the role of rector. She has focused particularly on strengthening collaboration across disciplines and creating even closer ties between Ilisimatusarfik and the surrounding community.

"I am both proud and grateful for the trust that the board has placed in me. Ilisimatusarfik plays a very special role in society, and I look forward to continuing the work for a strong and open Ilisimatusarfik together with my colleagues and students", Mari Kleist says.

Ilisimatusarfik would like to congratulate Mari Kleist on her appointment as new rector, and we all look forward to continuing our collaboration under her leadership.