New President’s Board as of February 2024: Four Vice-Presidents to lead HSG

The new members of the President’s Board of the University of St.Gallen (HSG) have been elected for a two-year term, as is the case with all academic bodies at HSG. The current term runs until January 31, 2024. From February 1, 2024, to January 31, 2026, Prof. Dr. Manuel Ammann will succeed Prof. Dr. Bernhard Ehrenzeller as President. His election by the University Council and approval by the St.Gallen government already took place on December 20, 2022. Now, it is clear what his Board will look like.

The new President’s Board of the University of St.Gallen as of February 2024

In its meeting on May 12, 2023, the University Council adopted the resolution to elect the new Vice-Presidents. The government approved their election on May 30, 2023. Following President-elect Manuel Ammann, the following HSG professors have been elected as members of the new President’s Board:

Prof. Dr. Manuel Ammann, President
Prof. Dr. Barbara Weber, Vice-President for Studies & Teaching
Prof. Dr. Reto Föllmi, Vice-President for Institutes & Continuing Education
Prof. Dr. Dietmar Grichnik, Vice-President for Innovation & Quality
Prof. Dr. Klaus Möller, Vice-President for Research & Faculty

"The new President’s Board combines diverse professional and leadership competencies," says President-elect Manuel Ammann. "All members have previously led a school as deans and therefore have proven leadership experience. I am very much looking forward to working with them."

Barbara Weber has been a professor of Software Systems Programming and Development at the School of Computer Science at HSG since February 2019. As Vice-President, she is responsible for the strategic development of teaching and the study programs. Academic teaching is a central element of her academic work for Prof. Dr. Barbara Weber. As a lecturer, she has received top ratings from her students. "I try to encourage my students to pursue their own paths and to try out many things – professional life is about taking risks," says Weber. As the first habilitated woman in computer science at the University of Innsbruck, the researcher knows what she is talking about. "My professional career did not follow a standard path on the whiteboard. I changed step by step." She is the founding dean of the School of Computer Science and thus a role model for female students at the University of St.Gallen. As a researcher, she works with her team to make software and processes more flexible. "Our goal is to develop models and tools that facilitate the connection between humans and machines," says Weber. "In my role as Vice-President, I will work to further develop student journeys, from initial contact to lifelong learning."

Reto Föllmi has been a professor of International Economics at the School of Economics and Political Science since February 2011. In his role as the new Vice-President, he is responsible for the development of institutes and continuing education. The macroeconomist conducts research on international trade, economic growth, and income distribution. He has published several books and articles in leading scientific journals. He is also regularly present in the public domain on economic policy issues and is active in public and private sector institutions. "The central institute model, which is crucial for research funding, and the important role of continuing education distinguish HSG from other universities. As Vice-President, I look forward to further developing these successful areas and leading them into the future."

Dietmar Grichnik will take over the field of Innovation & Quality as the new Vice-President. With its new name (previously External Relations), the area aims to promote innovation and transfer in cooperation with business, politics, and society. Furthermore, it aims to ensure and further develop the quality of HSG internationally. As a professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Institute of Technology Management, Grichnik researches management and financing of technology startups and innovative growth companies, among other topics. The internationally recognized researcher and trained banker is committed to knowledge and practice transfer. "If we foster the innovative spirit of employees, students, and alumni, we can strengthen the value creation and real impact of our research and teaching," says Grichnik. He has been involved in entrepreneurship at HSG since August 2010. With the St.Gallen Startup Navigator and the incubation program Startup@HSG, he and his team support student and academic talents in their entrepreneurial ambitions. "As Vice-President, I want to contribute to ensuring that as an entrepreneurial university, we can meet the major challenges of our society with innovation, diversity, and sustainability."

Klaus Möller is responsible for Research & Faculty. The professor of Controlling and Performance Management is the managing director of the Institute of Accounting, Controlling, and Auditing at the University of St.Gallen. In his research, he focuses on the design of control systems considering behavioral effects and the digitization of the finance function. He heads the "Hilti Lab for Integrated Performance Management" located at the chair and has shaped a control approach with significant impulses for science and practice through the St.Gallen Performance Management Model. "With its unique mix of researchers, employees, and students, HSG produces scientific insights as well as societal impact, which is regularly reflected in outstanding rankings. I want to contribute to securing and further developing this successful interaction in the long term."

The current team

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schmid (Vice-President for External Relations), Prof. Dr. Thomas Zellweger (Vice-President for Research & Faculty), Prof. Dr. Urs Fueglistaller (Vice-President for Institutes & Continuing Education), and Prof. Dr. Martin Eppler (Vice-President for Studies & Teaching) will conclude their tenure in the President’s Board and continue their research and teaching activities at HSG. Current President Prof. Dr. Bernhard Ehrenzeller will be emeritus after completing his term.

In addition to the President and the Vice-Presidents, the President’s Board includes the Administrative Director Bruno Hensler, the Secretary-General David Schneeberger, and the Registrar Marc Meyer, according to the University Statute. The President may involve other members of the University.

Further information: unisg.ch