#United States #EdTech #Arlington #2U #Kees Bol

Kees Bol Takes the Helm at 2U as CEO

In an exciting development for the education technology sector, 2U has officially appointed Kees Bol as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 27, 2025. This announcement, made on January 23, 2025, heralds a significant leadership change at one of the industry's foremost companies.

Kees Bol arrives at 2U with over a decade of rich experience in the education industry. His most recent role as CEO of Boundless Learning has equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of online education. His successful tenure at Boundless involved transforming the company during a critical transition phase, allowing it to thrive and achieve profitability as a standalone entity. This experience is invaluable for 2U as it aims to continue its mission of delivering high-quality online education on a global scale.

As noted by Brian Napack, 2U's Executive Chairman, Bol is recognized as a transformational leader who genuinely understands how education can change lives for the better. His previous roles have seen him successfully manage transformations, drive business growth, and lead high-performing teams—all crucial elements for progressing 2U's objectives in an increasingly competitive market.

Bol's professional journey began at McKinsey & Company, where he focused on strategic planning and operational management. He later transitioned to various leadership positions, including Chief Marketing Officer at Strategic Education, where he significantly enhanced enrollment and improved overall institutional performance. His effective leadership at Pearson's K-12 virtual school division also showcased his deep knowledge of the education sector.

In his new role at 2U, Bol expressed enthusiasm for the chance to impact global education positively. He emphasized the importance of breaking down barriers to higher education and creating new pathways for learners worldwide. Following years of collaboration with leading universities, 2U has established itself as a vital partner in online education, and Bol is eager to leverage this leadership to expand access further.

Bol succeeds Matt Norden, who has served as Interim CEO since October 2024, and will now return to his previous role as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Legal Officer. Napack praised Norden's exceptional stewardship amid challenging times, highlighting the importance of his leadership in maintaining the company's focus and momentum.

Additionally, in a parallel move, 2U also announced the promotion of Matt Leavy to Chief Operating Officer, effective the same day as Bol’s appointment. Leavy brings with him over 20 years of experience in education technology and operational excellence, having previously held prominent roles at Wiley and Pearson.

As 2U looks toward the future and the various challenges and opportunities that await, the combination of Bol's leadership and Leavy's operational expertise positions the company well for continued growth and innovation. This leadership duo aims to ensure that 2U remains at the forefront of the education technology landscape while upholding its commitment to providing learners with accessible, high-impact educational resources.

With Bol and Leavy at the helm, 2U is poised to embark on its next phase of growth, building on its strong foundation and leveraging its existing partnerships with over 260 leading universities and institutions. As the demand for online education continues to expand, 2U's unwavering commitment to its mission promises not only to change lives but to reshape the very access to transformative education itself.