E. Mickus joins the VU Foundation’s Investment Board, chaired by T. Krakauskas

The General Meeting of Sharers of the Vilnius University (VU) Foundation approved the updated composition of the Investment Board: a new chair was elected, a new member appointed, and a long-serving board member was thanked for his contribution.

Following Swedbank's 10 million euro philanthropic contribution, an investment manager with 18 years of experience, Edgaras Mickus, Head of Financial Asset Management in the Private Banking Department at Swedbank, joined the Investment Board.

Edgaras Mickus (photo by Rytis Šeškaitis)

"Joining the Investment Board of the Vilnius University Foundation is not only a responsibility for me but also an opportunity to contribute to the creation of long-term value for the education system of our country. A strong endowment is the foundation of a Western-style university, enabling more confident investments in scientific breakthroughs and future leaders. I am ready to contribute my knowledge and energy to help implement the Foundation's vision and goals," says E. Mickus.

An experienced investor, Tomas Krakauskas, Investment Management Director at the Willgrow family office, was elected Chair of the Investment Board.

Tomas Krakauskas

"I am pleased to take on the role of Chair of the VU Foundation Investment Board. As a Vilnius University alumnus, I see this not only as a responsibility but also as an opportunity to give back part of what the university has given me. Together with the team, we will work to strengthen the VU Foundation by implementing best practices in investment management," says T. Krakauskas.

Alongside T. Krakauskas and E. Mickus, the VU Foundation Investment Board also includes, on a pro bono basis, Alius Jakubėlis, Mindaugas Mažeikis, CFA, Paulius Kunčinas, Jurgis Gabrielius Rudgalvis, and Justas Šaltinis, CFA. In December, long-serving board member and bond market expert Šarūnas Barauskas stepped down and was thanked for his significant contribution to strengthening the Foundation.

After the unprecedented 10 million euro philanthropic contribution from Swedbank, the value of the VU Foundation's managed investment portfolio exceeded 20 million euros in December of this year.