School Management

HWZ separates strategic development and operational leadership between the extended school management team and the executive board. This dual structure clarifies responsibilities, promotes collaboration across areas and strengthens the university’s capacity to innovate in a changing educational environment.

Sihlhof HWZ

Extended school management: strategic thinking, connected design

The extended school management team brings together key functions involved in HWZ’s development, ensuring a holistic perspective on the university’s ongoing work. Its composition reflects the diversity and innovative capacity of HWZ and helps ensure that priority topics are progressed in an agile, collaborative and impact-oriented way.

Members of the extended school management team

  • Prisca Aerni, Head of Accounting & HR

  • Dr. Linard Barth, Head of Department Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Academy

  • Blerta Bibaj, Programme Organisation

  • Sandra Bornand, Head of Marketing

  • Silvana Cucu, Head of Department Digital Business Management

  • Costantino Lanni, Head of Centre for Financial Studies

  • Prof. Dr. Claude Meier, Director Centre for Research & Methods

  • Laura Oderbolz, Head of Communications

  • Dr. Nadine Rusch-Schenker, Head of Department Banking & Finance, Controlling and Real Estate

  • Dr. Valerio Stallone, Head of Department Digital Marketing

  • Sylvie Vlk, Head of Bachelor’s Programmes

  • Ueli Wiederkehr, Head of IT

  • Dr. Meike Wiemann-Hügler, Co-Director Executive School

  • Elena Zegg, Programme Organisation

Executive Board: operational leadership, enabling implementation

The executive board leads operational management and supports the delivery of strategic projects. It ensures smooth day-to-day running, takes operational decisions and works closely with the extended school management team to implement strategic priorities. The separation of strategy and day-to-day operations supports efficient delivery while maintaining scope for innovation.

Members of the Executive Board

  • Prof. Dr. Brian P. Rüeger, Principal HWZ

  • Dr. Urs Jäckli, Head of the Bachelor’s & MSc Department

  • Prof. Dr Michael Klaas, Head of Business Development

  • Christian Müller, Head of Finance and Services

  • Peter Statz, Vice-president, Head of the Department for Management & Leadership, Executive School