“Not only did I genuinely enjoy studying economics at WU, it also laid the foundation for my later career. I always particularly appreciated the intensive academic exchange between students and researchers as well as future decision-makers. My close ties to  WU has given me the opportunity to return to my alma mater again and again: as a lecturer and later as a mentor in the alumnae network ‘Wise Women of WU,’ as a member of the University Board, and finally today, as WU Manager of the Year. WU is a forward-looking university, ‘the place to be’ if you will. This award is a great honor for me,” says economist Silvia Angelo.  

About Silvia Angelo

After graduating from WU, Silvia Angelo began her professional career at what was then the Federal Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs. This was followed by positions at the Austrian Trade Union Federation office in Brussels (2000-2002) and at the Vienna Chamber of Labour, where she was Head of the Economic Policy Department from 2008 to 2016 and was responsible, among other things, for the areas of research, telecommunications, energy, competition, and business support. Silvia Angelo spent time in Mexico and France during several stays abroad. From 2013 to 2018, Silvia Angelo was actively involved in academic affairs as a member of WU’s University Board. Since 2017, she has been a member of the Board of Management of ÖBB Infrastruktur. In this role, Angelo is responsible for finance and overall asset management - which includes, for example, the planning of infrastructural transportation services. Her areas of responsibility also include human resources, education and training, and real estate.

Forward-looking, visionary management

“With Silvia Angelo, WU is honoring an experienced, visionary top manager who has always supported the advancement of women as a matter of course and who is actively committed to this cause. Future-related issues are also important to her, like sustainability and diversity and, in this vein, the importance of a mobility shift, which will significantly shape the future of generations to come. WU is proud of its successful alumna Silvia Angelo,” says WU Rector Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger.

WU Manager of the Year

WU has been awarding the title “WU Manager of the Year” since 1993. The award honors WU alumni and top managers whose commitment and vision make a positive impact on the development of their companies and the economy as a whole. Previous titleholders include Max Hollein, director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, member of the Management Board of the IFN Holding Anette Klinger, and Western Union CEO Hikmet Ersek.