Summers names first VP for human resources

Marilyn Hausammann, a human resources professional with a background in the consulting, financial services, and banking fields, is Harvard University’s first vice president for human resources, Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers announced Tuesday (Oct. 5).

Hausammann joins Harvard from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where she served as the global director of human resources. At BCG, she is widely credited with significantly rebuilding the firm’s human resources capacity in an organization with offices in 37 countries.

“Marilyn brings to the role considerable human resources expertise, management skills, and a track record of managing major initiatives in decentralized, complex institutions,” said Summers. “She has experience with the types of challenges facing human resources at Harvard, and her energy, intelligence, and collaborative approach should make her a strong addition to the University’s senior management team.”

Before joining BCG in 2001, Hausammann worked at Thomson Financial as the senior vice president for human resources and communications, where she developed the firm’s first strategic plan for human resources. She previously held senior human resources positions at Putnam Investments and the Bank of New England.

“I am delighted to be joining Harvard University. I was taken by the vibrancy of the community and by the enthusiasm of the people with whom I met during the selection process,” said Hausammann. “I believe I am joining Harvard at a fascinating juncture in its history. Together with my colleagues, I hope to shape an HR agenda that contributes to the mission and promotes the satisfaction and engagement of our work force.”

As vice president for human resources, Hausammann will lead the University’s efforts to recruit, develop, and maintain its work force of approximately 15,000, working with the local human resources offices at Harvard’s schools and programs. Summers elevated the position to the vice presidential level, he said, “to underscore the importance of excellent staff and administrators in achieving the University’s academic aspirations.”

Hausammann assumes her duties at Harvard Oct. 25.