RWTH Aachen University Welcomes Thomas Trännapp as Incoming Chancellor

Thomas Trännapp will be the next chancellor of RWTH Aachen University. The university electoral assembly voted in favor of the 53-year-old, who currently serves as the permanent deputy chancellor at RWTH. Trännapp will succeed Manfred Nettekoven, who has held the office since 2006, taking office on June 1, 2025. The chancellor’s responsibilities include, among other things, managing the Central University Administration, the budget, legal affairs, construction, and real estate management, as well as environmental protection, sustainability, and safety.

The members of the University Electoral Assembly, comprised of members of the University Council and the RWTH Senate, followed the recommendation of a selection committee. Trännapp will lead RWTH Aachen University through challenging times, including the shortage of skilled workers and declining funds. He has set the reduction of bureaucracy, the shortening of internal processes, and urgently needed construction and renovation measures as the focus of his work and that of the entire team at the Central University Administration (ZHV). One thing is clear – “We will only be able to overcome these challenges as a team,” emphasizes Trännapp.

Thomas Trännapp brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has been an integral part of RWTH’s ZHV since 1998. His journey began as an employee in the Planning, Development, and Controlling Department. He then led the Structure and Research Division from 1999 before assuming the role of department head in 2010. Since 2012, Trännapp has been a key figure in shaping the University Administration’s strategic direction as the permanent deputy chancellor.