Press Release 27th October 2025

REWE Group Austria becomes new partner of the WU Center of Excellence support program

Starting in the winter semester 2025/26, REWE Group Austria is the official partner of the new cohort (Group 56) of the WU Center of Excellence support program at WU Vienna University of Economics and Business. For two years, executives and experts from the company will accompany around 40 to 50 committed and high-performing students from various master’s programs who are newly enrolled in the support program this academic year, providing them with practical insights into diverse business areas.

Four people are standing outside in a sunny urban setting. They are dressed in business attire, with modern buildings and a tree in the background. The sky is clear, and the environment appears bright and professional.

Gerhard Speckbacher, Head of the Program and Professor of Management at WU Vienna University of Economics and Business, Elke Peller-Kühne, Head of Talent Acquisition REWE Group Austria, Univ.Prof. Dr. Isabella Grabner, Head of Department Strategy & Innovation and Head of Center of Excellence Group 56, and Marcel Haraszti, Executive Board Member REWE International AG. / Copyright: © REWE Group / Robert Harson, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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At a glance

REWE Group is officially the new partner of the newly launched cohort of the WU Center of Excellence, the support program for high-performing master’s students at WU Vienna University of Economics and Business.
Around 40 to 50 master’s students will be accompanied by REWE executives and experts over a two-year period.
Joint projects, events, and an individual roadmap link academic studies with practical experience and promote knowledge transfer.

The goal is to foster talent early, enable hands-on experience, and open up perspectives for a potential professional future within REWE Group and its retail brands BILLA, BIPA, and PENNY.

REWE employees build bridges between academia and practice

The WU talent management program is aimed at talented master’s students from all disciplines. Over four semesters, REWE Group offers a diverse program of activities: students benefit from mentoring, excursions, fireside chats, workshops, and networking opportunities. The program connects theoretical education with practical insights into key business areas such as finance, analytics, HR, marketing, sales, purchasing, supply chain management, controlling, and strategy.

“The collaboration with WU Vienna gives us the opportunity to get to know young, motivated talents early and support them in their first steps into professional life,” says Elke Peller-Kühne, People and Culture, REWE Group. “At the same time, we as a company benefit from fresh impulses, innovative ideas, and valuable knowledge transfer.” Marcel Haraszti, Executive Board Member of REWE International AG and WU Vienna alumnus, adds: “Our goal is to offer students an educational and exciting experience in a company that is broadly positioned and offers diverse opportunities. We also look forward to gaining as much as possible from this partnership ourselves.”

Roadmap provides students with deep insights and individual experiences

In close cooperation with the WU Center of Excellence, REWE Group Austria designs the practical part of the support program to strengthen exchange with students and make the most of the partnership’s potential. After initial touchpoints and introductory meetings in December and January, participants will develop their personal two-year roadmap at the major kick-off event in March 2026 together with REWE Group experts and executives. This gives them the opportunity to contribute their individual interests and areas of expertise, focus on specific business areas, and experience work and decision-making processes up close, while also receiving personalized support for their professional development. Additionally, at least one joint event and regular exchange formats are planned each semester until summer 2027.

Gerhard Speckbacher, Head of the Program and Professor of Management at WU Vienna University of Economics and Business, explains: “For over 30 years, the WU Center of Excellence has been connecting ambitious students from all master’s programs and offering diverse contacts and exciting insights into business practice. Striving for excellence means using one’s talents and abilities in the best possible way for the common good. The partnership with REWE Group Austria for the new cohort this academic year provides students with valuable insights into various business areas and strengthens the bridge between academia and industry.”