Prof. Dr. Brian P. Rüeger is the new Rector of the HWZ

Prof. Dr. Brian Rüeger spent more than a decade establishing and heading the Institute of Marketing Management (IMM) at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and driving its development into the largest university-level continuing education institution in the field of marketing in Switzerland. For his outstanding achievements, he was honored internationally as "Male Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year" (Runner-up) by ACEEU in 2022.

Previously, he gained entrepreneurial experience as a consultant for international companies in the field of new markets and technologies, as a serial entrepreneur for various start-up companies in the high-tech sector and as Managing Director for EMEA for a listed American company. He received his doctorate from the University of Zurich in 2015 in the field of service innovation and service management of Swiss companies.

"Companies in Switzerland need a university that helps them to master current and future challenges. HWZ graduates are already extremely attractive on the job market because they are equipped with the latest tools at all levels. This has been confirmed to me by numerous decision-makers from various industries and is also reflected in the impressive careers of former graduates," says the new Rector Brian P. Rüeger. Excellent work is being done at all levels at the HWZ. The speed and proximity of the HWZ to companies make it a reliable academic partner for all companies. "We will continue along this path and become the most entrepreneurial university in Switzerland," says Rüeger.

Rüeger takes over from Rüegg

"In Prof. Dr. Brian P. Rüeger, we have found the ideal candidate. His impressive track record and entrepreneurial experience make him the perfect successor to Prof. Matthias Rüegg as Rector of the HWZ. We are very much looking forward to working with him," says Sascha M. Burkhalter, Delegate of the Board of Directors of the HWZ.

Prof. Dr. Rüeger succeeds Prof. Matthias Rüegg, who led the HWZ with great success for many years. Under Prof. Rüegg's leadership, the HWZ was able to sustainably strengthen its position as the leading university for part-time study programs in Switzerland. During his tenure, the HWZ has implemented numerous strategic projects, including the introduction of new future-oriented degree programs and the expansion of partnerships with the business community. Thanks to his prudent leadership and his instinct for future developments, he has made the HWZ an indispensable player in the educational landscape.

"It has been a great honor to accompany the HWZ on its growth path in recent years and to make the university what it is today - a dynamic and innovative institution that works closely with the needs of the economy and society. I am convinced that Prof. Dr. Rüeger will lead the HWZ into a successful future with his experience and vision," says outgoing Rector Matthias Rüegg.

In a personal tribute to his time in office, Rüegg adds: "The last few years have been characterized by challenges and opportunities that we have successfully mastered together as a team. It fills me with pride that we have established the HWZ as an entrepreneurial university that offers practice-oriented degree programs and at the same time ensures high academic quality. I would like to thank all staff and students for their tireless commitment and passion. Now the time has come to pass on the responsibility and I am sure that the HWZ will develop an even greater charisma under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Rüeger."

Prof. Matthias Rüegg has left a lasting mark on the HWZ and made a significant contribution to the further development of the Swiss education system.

Source: www.fh-hwz.ch