The Vienna-based university of applied sciences honored the Head of Marketing and Corporate Spokesperson of XXXLutz with the award and presented Alumni Awards to nine graduates.
Vienna, December 1, 2025 – FHWien der WKW gives its graduates outstanding career opportunities in the business world. Illustrating the wide range of career paths opened up by a degree at this university of applied sciences specializing in management and communication, nine alumni were once again invited on stage this year – now for the 17th time – to receive an Alumni Award.
The Hotel Imperial Riding School in Vienna provided the festive setting for the award ceremony on November 27, 2025. 150 guests gathered there, including other top alumni of FHWien der WKW as well as representatives from the university and the business community. ORF anchor Margit Laufer hosted the evening.
Special Award “Business Icon of the Year”
For the second time, the Special Award “Business Icon of the Year” was presented this year. It went to Thomas Saliger. He is Head of Marketing and Corporate Spokesperson of the XXXLutz Group and a manager through and through.
“We humans need role models who inspire us and give us the courage to follow our own path. That also applies to our professional lives. With the Special Award ‘Business Icon of the Year,’ FHWien der WKW honors personalities from the business world who can serve as role models for young talent. I am very pleased that we are able to recognize Thomas Saliger, a manager whose passionate and determined leadership has been shaping the successful trajectory of a major Austrian company for many years,” says Stephan Gasser, CEO of FHWien der WKW.
Award for Professionals and Executives
The awards in the “Professional Achievements” category went to professionals and executives who have achieved national or international success in their industry or field of activity.
The award-winners:
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Alexander Gänsdorfer: A graduate of the diploma degree program in Communications Management, he is Co-Founder and CMO at NEOH.
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Manuel Javorik: A graduate of the Bachelor’s degree program in Digital Business, he is Head of Operations Control Center and Intelligence Officer at Austrian Airlines. He is also Managing Director of SIGMO Airline Databasis GmbH and a Business Consultant.
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Lilian Teuffenbach: She completed the Master’s degree program in Organization & Human Resources Development at FHWien der WKW. Her career led her to Magenta Telekom, where she is Head of People Development & Culture.
Award for Particularly Innovative Alumni
In the “Shaping the Future” category, alumni were honored who, with their mindset and actions, are finding forward-looking answers to the pressing questions of our time.
The award-winners:
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Lisa Ambros: She completed the Bachelor’s degree program in Tourism Management at FHWien der WKW. Her career led her to the female factor, where she most recently served as CEO.
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Anna Jandrisevits: She completed the Master’s degree program in Journalism & New Media at FHWien der WKW. Today she is Deputy Editor-in-Chief of “Die Chefredaktion” and a TikTok host.
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Tanja Sternbauer: A graduate of the Bachelor’s degree program in Management & Entrepreneurship, she is Co-Founder, Head of Talent and Advisory Board Member at the female factor. She is also Editor-in-Chief at the lead magazine.
Tribute to Exceptionally Committed Alumni
The “Exceptional Commitment to FHWien der WKW” category honored alumni who are particularly engaged in teaching or research at FHWien der WKW and thus contribute to the ongoing development of the university.
The award-winners:
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Hannes Glavanovits: A graduate of the diploma degree program in Marketing & Sales, he is Head of Advertising & Information at SPAR.
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Markus Pusta: A graduate of the diploma degree program in Real Estate Management and the Master’s degree program in Real Estate Management, he is Managing Director of Pusta & Partner Hausverwaltungs GmbH.
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Michael Szücs: He completed the diploma degree program in Finance, Accounting & Taxation at FHWien der WKW and is now Head of Financial Services, auditor and tax consultant, as well as Certified Finance Compliance Officer at Grant Thornton Austria.
Studies as a Foundation for Careers
“With joy and pride, we look back on the successful careers of many graduates of FHWien der WKW. For them, the education they received at our university was the springboard to careers in Austria and abroad. With the Alumni Award, which we have been presenting for 17 years, we put a selection of our more than 15,900 alumni in the spotlight as representatives of many others,” says FHWien der WKW CEO Stephan Gasser.
Photos:
Thomas Saliger of XXXLutz (left) was honored by FHWien der WKW with the Special Award “Business Icon of the Year” (pictured with Stephan Gasser, CEO of FHWien der WKW).
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Copyright: Alexander Müller
The award-winners were visibly delighted to receive the Alumni Award.
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Copyright: Alexander Müller
FHWien der WKW – University of Applied Sciences for Management & Communication
FHWien der WKW is Austria’s leading university of applied sciences for management and communication. Its Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs offer around 2,900 students a practical academic education. Two-thirds of the lecturers come directly from the business world. The close cooperation with local companies in teaching and research prepares students optimally for their careers. Since its foundation in 1994, FHWien der WKW has already produced more than 15,900 graduates.
Contact:
Bernhard Witzeling
Head of Corporate Communication, Marketing and Alumni & Career Services, Press Officer
Tel.: +43 (1) 476 77-5733
presse@fh-wien.ac.at
www.fh-wien.ac.at