Ceremonies, awards, and celebrations

Karin Exner-Wöhrer Named WU Manager of the Year 2026

22/10/2026

WU recognizes Dr. Karin Exner-Wöhrer’s achievements as an outstanding entrepreneur.

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Today, Karin Exner-Wöhrer is one of the leading figures in Austrian industry in her role as CEO and Executive Shareholder of the SAG Group. For more than 20 years, she has led the internationally active company, which employs around 950 people across nine locations, successfully steering it through economically challenging periods such as the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions.

Alongside her entrepreneurial activities, Karin Exner-Wöhrer maintains a close connection with her alma mater. She completed both her Master's degree and her doctoral studies at WU Vienna. As a member of the WU International Board, she supports the university's strategic development. In addition, she is actively involved as a mentor in the “Wise Women of WU” programme, where she supports female graduates in advancing their careers.

[Translate to English:] Portrait Wöhrer

Karin Exner-Wöhrer earned both her master’s and doctoral degree from WU. Her professional career has taken her to the helm of SAG Group, an international company with approximately 950 employees across nine locations. In addition, she serves on the supervisory boards of leading companies such as Telekom Austria and Germany's Mann+Hummel. 

WU Manager of the Year 2026

Outstanding leadership and commitment 

As CEO and executive shareholder of the SAG Group, Karin Exner-Wöhrer has led the company successfully for more than two decades, guiding it through challenging periods including the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global supply chain disruptions. Her measured international growth strategy combines entrepreneurial vision with responsible risk management and reflects a leadership approach that prioritizes long-term success over short-term expansion. As a long-serving CEO and supervisory board member, she is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Austrian business and industry. 

A dedicated WU alumna 

Alongside her successful business career, Karin Exner-Wöhrer has remained closely connected to her alma mater. As a member of the WU International Board, she supports the university’s strategic development. She also serves as a mentor in the Wise Women of WU program, which supports and empowers talented female graduates as they advance their careers. 

About the award 

WU launched the WU Manager of the Year award in 1993 to honor WU alumni who have distinguished themselves with outstanding management achievements, high standards of integrity, long-term business success, and social responsibility. As WU’s latest Manager of the Year, Karin Exner-Wöhrer joins a distinguished circle of leaders whose contributions have left a lasting mark on business and society. Recent recipients include Georg Kapsch, CEO of Kapsch TrafficCom AG (2025), and Patricia Neumann, CEO of Siemens Austria (2024). 

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