Honorary professorship for Dr. Burkhard Schwenker

Dr. Burkhard Schwenker (49), CEO of Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, was made an Honorary Professor at the Leipzig Graduate School of Management (Handelshochschule Leipzig, HHL). A ceremony commemorating HHL's 110 years in Leipzig was attended by leaders from politics, business and academia, plus cultural and social institutions. In presenting the honor, Professor Dr. Torsten Wulf, Chair for Strategic Management and Organization, said: "The name 'Dr. Burkhard Schwenker' stands for the connection between theory and practice. He embodies the very spirit that has characterized HHL since its founding. That's why I am so pleased about the high level of commitment that Dr. Schwenker has brought to HHL's teaching.

Our students have been able to clearly see his commitment; that's why he was voted the 'Best Guest Lecturer' at HHL for Summer 2007." In his acceptance speech, Schwenker underscored the importance of research for the field of business administration. Europe has to develop its own profile in this area. "It is alarming that no business administration program belongs to the German government's excellence initiatives," commented Schwenker.

After welcome addresses from Saxony's Minister-President Prof. Dr. Georg Milbradt, Leipzig's High Mayor Andreas Müller and HHL Dean Prof. Dr. Wiesmeth, several speakers took the stage to look back on HHL's history. Afterward there was a panel discussion with HHL's "founding fathers": Prof. Dr. Kurt Biedenkopf, Prof. Dr. Heribert Meffert, Dr. Ludwig Trippen and Bernhard Walter. After Biedenkopf received his honorary doctorate, Schwenker was appointed honorary professor.

In his acceptance speech, Schwenker noted: "European companies, and German ones in particular, serve as examples to the world in that there is a European style of good corporate management. We must protect it, and a key part of that protection lies in business research and educating tomorrow's managers. We should therefore confidently consider the traditional strengths of university education in Germany." Schwenker continued on to say: "To that end, we first need strong research and teaching that is grounded in theory, since the increasing complexity of the business world requires strong analytical skills. Secondly, we need a broad and interdisciplinary course offering in the best humanist tradition. In my opinion, this is still the best way to integrate ethics and morals in the education of future managers."

Schwenker's academic commitment

In addition to his work as global CEO of Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, Schwenker has spent many years researching business topics and teaching. He regularly holds seminars and serves on committees at several business schools and universities. Since 2006, he has been teaching courses at the HHL, which include topics such as strategic growth management. Therefore, Schwenker's honorary professorship at HHL is very significant to him: "HHL ranks among Europe's top universities. It's an honor and a privilege for me to teach here and establish contact to researchers and future entrepreneurs," says Schwenker.

Dr. Burkhard Schwenker's CV

Burkhard Schwenker has a degree in mathematics and business administration. After starting his professional career at PWA Papierwerke Waldhof-Aschaffenburg AG, he joined Roland Berger Strategy Consultants in 1989. Within the scope of Roland Berger's Ph.D. program, Schwenker wrote his doctoral dissertation on "Competition in the service industry". In 1992, he was elected Partner and two years later appointed Head of the Corporate Strategy & Organization Competence Center. He continues to show his expertise in helping companies boost efficiency and develop successful growth strategies. He also publishes scientific articles and books covering these topics. Most recently, he published the book "Making growth work – How companies can expand and become more efficient," together with Stefan Bötzel, and "Management between Strategy and Finance. The Four Seasons of Business" with Prof. Klaus Spremann.