March 31, 2026 · Media Releases
Roger Harlacher is a new member of the University Council.
Roger Harlacher, chairman of the board of directors at Zweifel Chips & Snacks AG, has become a new member of the University Council at HWZ Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration. In addition, Fabienne Schild, project manager for business development at HWZ, has been elected as the new staff representative on the council.
The University Council of HWZ welcomes new members: Roger Harlacher succeeds Ursula Suter, who served on the council as a legal expert and has stepped down from her position due to retirement.
Prof Dr Brian Rüeger, rector of HWZ, is pleased to welcome the new addition:
With Roger Harlacher, we are gaining a leader with proven management experience and an extensive network within the Swiss business community. His entrepreneurial perspective and commitment to sustainable business development are a great asset to the University Council and to the ongoing development of our university.
Roger Harlacher is, among other roles, chairman of the board of directors at Zweifel Chips & Snacks AG and has many years of experience in the management and strategic development of companies. He is very pleased to have been elected to the HWZ University Council.
It is with great pleasure that I will contribute my experience, knowledge and perspectives to the committee. Education and further training are the foundation of our social and economic development. To be able to play a part in strengthening these and in the ongoing development of HWZ is a privilege for me.
New staff representation on the University Council
Alongside Roger Harlacher, Fabienne Schild, Project Manager Business Development at HWZ, has taken on the role of staff representative on the University Council. She succeeds Dr Laurence Pestalozzi, who has left HWZ after more than 13 years of service to pursue a new professional challenge. As staff representative, Fabienne Schild brings the perspective of HWZ employees to the University Council.
The University Council is responsible for matters relating to higher education law at HWZ. It is composed of representatives from academia, industry, public authorities, as well as teaching staff and employees of HWZ. The council oversees compliance with cantonal and federal legislation governing universities of applied sciences. In addition, it confers professorial titles and initiates measures to ensure and further develop the quality of education and research.
