Onno RÜHL
Biographical Data
Children at Ecolint: La Grande Boissière Primary
Onno Rühl is a member of various Executive and Advisory Boards, focusing on Strategy, Sustainability, Geopolitics and Development Issues. Prior to this, he was the General Manager of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). In this position, Onno led the creation of a new agency, which focuses on improving the habitat and resilience of communities in South and Central Asia and the Middle East, pioneering innovative approaches to sustainability, habitat planning and green construction. Prior to his appointment, Onno was Country Director for India at the World Bank, based in New Delhi. He was responsible for managing the World Bank's portfolio in India, valued at $25 billion. In a career with the World Bank spanning over two decades, he has also been Director for Operations Services, Financial Management and Procurement in the South Asia Region of the World Bank, Country Director for Nigeria, Manager for Results and Learning in the Africa Region of the World Bank, and Country Manager for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Before joining the World Bank in 1993, he was a career diplomat with the Netherlands Foreign Service. Onno started his professional journey as a teacher at High School level in the Netherlands, and now speaks regularly in both academic and corporate settings and has extensive experience as moderator and guest lecturer at universities in India, the US, Nigeria, the DRC and the Netherlands.
What does Ecolint mean to you?
Ecolint embodies my ideal for a holistic education for children from everywhere, including my daughter. I believe Ecolint's presence and future should be rooted in its very important past. At the same time, I believe Ecolint should continue to transform to remain a leader in international education and the best school it can be for all its students, as well as those who work at the school.
What skills/expertise would you bring to the Governing Board?
- Governance
- Fundraising
- Financial management and oversight
- Sustainability
- Strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion
How would you support the mission of the Foundation if you are elected to the Governing Board? Emphasizing the skills/expertise that were highlighted in the previous question, and other leadership and soft skills you would bring to the Board.
As a Board member, I would use my experience in governance and management to help the Board and Management of the Foundation make the right strategic decisions and choices. My goal would be to allow the school to continue to do well and be a leader in the current time. I could particularly contribute to questions of sustainability, financial management and diversity and inclusion. Having started my career as a teacher will add to my perspective as a Board member. I would also continue contributing as a Sports Team Parent.