Matthijs Bierman, Alumnus of the Year 2012

Matthijs Bierman, director of Triodos Bank Nederland, has been elected Alumnus of the Year 2012 by the University of Groningen. The award was presented to him on 3 September by Rector Magnificus Elmer Sterken, during the official Opening of the Academic Year in the University’s Academy Building.

Socially committed

Matthijs Bierman (1964) graduated in both Business Administration and Law at the University of Groningen in 1991. He then went on to work in various positions, including as an aid worker in Botswana, and in 1996 joined Triodos Bank, where he became director in 2003. He deliberately chose to work for this idealistic bank because he wanted to manage a socially committed organization.

Sustainability

The University of Groningen attaches great importance to the theme of sustainability and will celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2014 under the motto ‘4 ∞ For Infinity’. The Alumnus of the Year 2012 is translating commitment to a sustainable society, focusing on the future and for future generations, into practice in his own sector. Against all trends, Triodos Bank has continued to grow steadily, under the leadership of a daring, determined man who has stayed true to his principles.
The University considers Bierman to be an inspiring example in times of financial crisis and a rather damaged image of the financial world, who demonstrates that sustainable business can be very successful.