Bakker succeeds Dr Tim Ryan, the Institute’s longest-serving president
The Board of Trustees of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) announced the appointment of Michiel Bakker as the college’s sixth president, effective September 1, 2024. Bakker will further the CIA’s eight-decade legacy of leadership and excellence. The Board’s decision follows an extensive, 10-month global search. Bakker succeeds Dr Tim Ryan, the Institute’s longest-serving president, who held the role since 2001 and who moves into the new role of chancellor.
“In its 78-year history, the CIA has had just five presidents—pretty astounding when you consider that the average college president’s tenure is less than six years,” said Board Chair John Metz, Jr. “We were committed to finding the person who would ensure that the CIA continues to be the world’s premier culinary college. Michiel Bakker’s experience speaks for itself, and we are confident he is the president to build on the CIA’s strong foundation and usher the college into its next era.”