Moonshot Thinking - Jet de Ranitz, public sector lead at Microsoft

In-person, followed by drinks and snacks / live-streamed online

Shaping Tomorrow: Microsoft’s Vision for Sovereignty, Security, and Innovation

In a world where technological evolution and global threats intersect, how can we redefine innovation to build a positive and resilient future?

Jet de Ranitz will guide us through Microsoft’s perspective on the critical issues of cloud sovereignty, cybersecurity, and societal values. From confronting state-sponsored cyberattacks to navigating shifting geopolitical challenges, Jet will share insights into how Microsoft, as a key player, views its responsibility to drive forward-thinking solutions in an uncertain world.

This event explores the roles of governments, universities, and businesses, examining how collaboration can balance the risks and rewards of rapid IT and AI advancements. Join us as we discuss how today’s decisions will shape the next two decades and beyond—moving beyond stagnation to drive meaningful innovation and global progress.

Jet de Ranitz, Public Sector Lead Netherlands at Microsoft

De Ranitz (1970, The Hague) has been the Public Sector Lead at Microsoft in the Netherlands since November 2024. Microsoft aims to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more. We offer extensive and integrated IT solutions that drive digital transformation, with a keen focus on sustainability, diversity and inclusion, responsible AI, and security.

Previously, De Ranitz was the CEO of SURF, the IT cooperative for research and education in the Netherlands. Before that, she was Chair of the Executive Board of Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Chair of the Executive Board of the Amsterdam School of the Arts, Managing Director of Nederlands Dans Theater, and Managing Director of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Tilburg University. Her career began in the commercial sector. She is an experienced leader with a track record in change management, working with high-level professionals. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Leiden University.

A central theme in her career has been (and remains) working with professionals with a high level of creativity, ambition, and skill. Change management has been an important aspect of her work. Over the past five years, this has become increasingly intertwined with ICT and technological developments, where she seeks to make an impact by driving digital transformation through vision and strategy in the public sector, in collaboration with customers.

Alongside her role at Microsoft, De Ranitz serves as Chair of the Supervisory Board of Kunstmuseum and the Escher Collection in The Hague and as Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board of Espria, a healthcare organisation.

She lives in The Hague with her husband and has two adult children, who have recently graduated and begun their careers.

Moonshot Thinking events

Moonshot Thinking is a series of recurring events organised by BIM Group at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) to bring industry and research a step closer. Our speakers are thought leaders in their respective industry sectors, and each one has a unique story to tell – whether that is a groundbreaking technology they are working on, an idea they believe in or an innovation that will reshape the world as we know it. From inspiration and knowledge sharing to prospective research project developments, we aim to inspire business leaders and researchers alike.

These events are hosted at RSM, facilitating informal exchange of ideas and thoughts. Each event is an hour long, with a 45-minute speech by a business leader and a 15-minute interactive Q&A from the audience. The event is followed by networking drinks, where conversations continue and collaborations are born.

Location

The Moonshot Thinking event will take place in room JB-50, located on the ground floor of Bayle building at the Erasmus University, Campus Woudestein. Click here for directions on how to reach our campus.

In collaboration with Erasmus Centre for Leadership. Learn more: https://www.rsm.nl/faculty-research/centres/erasmus-centre-for-leadership/

Host or Publisher BIM Group, Rotterdam School of Management