WU was able to attract a very diverse group of members for the International Corporate Board, all experienced managers and entrepreneurs well-versed in international leadership. What they all have in common is a passion for educating brilliant minds and a keen interest in the further development of universities. The members of the Board are:

• Erman Ilıcak - President of Rönesans Holding

• Daniel Liao - Senior Adviser for Lam Asia Pacific Operations

• Evelyn Palla - CFO of Deutsche Bahn Fernverkehr

• Christopher Schläffer - CEO and founder of NYOUM

• Susanne Wamsler - non-executive member of the Board of Directors at Clariant

Critical perspective from outside: Yes, please

The objective of the Board, which plans to meet at least once a year online and face-to-face, is to consult with the Rector’s Council on strategy, internationalization, and WU’s academic portfolio from the perspective of internationally active executives. WU Rector Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger says, “We hope to establish an open, critical, and inspiring panel that will provide the Rector’s Council with constructive feedback on our strategic plans. We’re not looking for praise, we want to be challenged. For that, we need people with an outside perspective who are willing to share their thoughts on the future of academic research and teaching with us.”

High-profile support

The members of the International Corporate Board will be providing their support on a voluntary basis. Due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic, the first meeting with the Board is being planned as an online meeting. In the future, however, members of the Board and the Rector’s Council plan to meet in person at WU. “We are very pleased that these personalities of the business community are willing to share their expertise with WU and will be supporting the university in its continual further development in the future as well,” says the Rector.

Further information on the International Corporate Board