Your MSc Management of Innovation and Medical Business & Innovation graduation

Forget grand buildings – Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University began its journey in 1970, at an admittedly large villa in the Rotterdam suburb of Kralingen.  It wasn't flashy, but it marked a turning point, fueled by the city's business spirit and a desire to raise the bar for Dutch business education.

The school's roots stretch back to 1913 and the ambition to elevate commerce training.  But by the 1960s, a new era beckoned. Universities joined forces with influential Dutch multinationals, heavyweights like Shell and Unilever, recognizing the need for a different kind of business leader – one equipped for an increasingly globalized world.

The result was Rotterdam School of Management, its inaugural class in 1970 a select group of just 30 students.  This wasn't about mass education; it was about nurturing exceptional talent, fostering minds that could navigate the complexities of international business.

Those early years in Kralingen were about more than just lessons. The school tapped into Rotterdam's business networks and included technical training, giving students a real-world edge. There was a feeling that this place was building a new generation of Dutch business leaders who would leave their mark.

Of course, the villa was just the beginning. Rotterdam School of Management is now a global player, with alumni shaping industries around the world.  But as you graduate today, take a moment to think about that house in Kralingen, and just 30 students. It's a reminder that even the grandest ambitions often have modest beginnings.

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Lisanne van Ruiten is an Information Management Consultant at the Dutch Ministry of Finance. She started her career as a corporate trainee in the pension sector and has since worked in a variety of roles, including supervision and compliance. Outside of work, Lisanne is passionate about movement, especially yoga. She has completed her training as a yoga teacher and loves exploring how movement and mindfulness can contribute to both personal and professional growth.

Juan P. Madiedo is an Associate Professor at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University. He obtained his Ph.D. in Business Studies from IE Business School, IE University in Spain. In his research he focuses on the role of managers in the performance of the operations of the firm. More specifically, his works investigates how different types of experience accumulated by managers in their role influence the way in which organizations accumulate and leverage different sources of knowledge at their disposal. Prior to join RSM Juan P. held positions at IE University in Spain and Universidad de los Andes in Colombia. In recent years he has held a visiting scholar position at INCAE Business School in Costa Rica.

Amir Omidvari is an experienced health science physician-researcher with a background in medicine and public health, focusing on healthcare quality improvement, clinical research, and health economics. He currently serves as a researcher at Erasmus MC University Medical Center and as the Academic Co-Director of the Master in Medical Business and Innovation at Rotterdam School of Management. His expertise includes project management, health policy, systems research, and economic modeling studies to advance healthcare practices and systems.

Stefano Tasselli received his PhD from the University of Cambridge. He is a member of the Innovation Management group. His previous professional experience includes consulting in McKinsey and Company. 

His research focus is on organizational social networks; social networks, leadership and innovation; and organizational theory. He is currently the Chair of the Social Network Society.

He received notable recognition for his research and teaching. He has been selected by Poets and Quants as one of the '40 World's Best Business Professors under 40' and by ASFOR as the 'Best Italian Business Professor under 40'. He has been included by Thinkers50 in the radar of the thirty more innovative business thinkers. He bas been Knighted by the President of Italy.

His work has been published, among the other outlets, in the Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Academy of Management Annals, Organization Science, Organization Studies, Journal of Management, Annual Review of Psychology, Social Networks and Research in the Sociology of Organizations. He is a member of the Editorial Boards of the Academy of Management Journal and of the Journal of Management Studies. He has disseminated his work to the business community through articles published, among the other venues, in the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Medium Authority, Il Sole 24 Ore, Corriere della Sera and La Stampa. 

After graduating from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia, Meta moved to Brussels where she worked in recruitment. Initially working only with MBA alumni, Meta is now responsible for helping all alumni stay connected and supported after graduation – and leads our team of alumni relations professionals.