On September 1, 2024, Ludwigshafen University of Applied Sciences welcomed a new addition: Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Michael Zipfel (born 1972) has taken up his position as Professor of Business Administration, in particular Corporate Management, at the Department of Management, Controlling, HealthCare. With a doctorate from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Michael Zipfel not only brings with him extensive academic experience, but also a decade as CEO of the Swiss company Transgourmet AG in Russia and as Managing Director of Landgard AG. In this interview, he tells us how he has settled into his new position and what plans he has for the future.
Professor Zipfel, you started as a new professor at Ludwigshafen University of Applied Sciences on September 1, 2024. How was your start?
My start was very good. My colleagues gave me a warm welcome: I was already able to sit exams and prepare my lectures in the summer. I was particularly pleased with the open exchange with the students and the team. The feeling that I was really welcome here made it much easier for me to get started.
What tasks does your new position involve?
As a professor of business administration, my focus is on corporate management. In the winter semester, I give lectures on business administration, economics, marketing and international logistics. I would like to contribute my practical experience. I also plan to incorporate new topics such as unified commerce and artificial intelligence into my teaching. In the long term, I would like to offer an elective module on retail/trade and use my international contacts to promote new collaborations and third-party funding for the university.
What did you do before?
I was CEO of the Swiss Transgourmet Group in Russia for ten years, where I built up the Russian foreign subsidiary. In Moscow, I lived with my family on the grounds of the German Embassy and volunteered at the German School Moscow (DSM). After a brief stopover at Landgard AG in Germany, I was particularly keen to get into research and education.
What particularly appeals to you about the new position?
My professional career has been strongly influenced by management tasks in international trade. Education offers me the opportunity to combine practical and theoretical knowledge and pass this on to the next generation. I am also interested in developing an interdisciplinary research and transfer concept that not only involves the scientific community, but also promotes the transfer of our research findings into practice. Many companies need support in order to operate more sustainably.
What are the first goals you have set yourself?
I am currently preparing my lectures and integrating my experience with new business models and digitalization. Retail is changing very quickly, which makes the whole thing particularly exciting. One of my first goals is to get to know the administrative processes at the university better. But the most important thing for me is to get to know the students and colleagues personally. My doctoral supervisor once said: "A university lives not only from research and education, but above all from the people who make it up."
Why did you choose the HWG LU?
The university offers me excellent opportunities for education and research in my field. I also originally come from the region and know the university's good reputation. The pleasant atmosphere here made my decision easy.
What can our students expect from you?
I don't just want to teach students theory. It's important to me that they get actively involved and work in a practical way. "The best lessons are not learned from books, but from real life." With this in mind, I want to teach students how to make good decisions in practice and run a company ethically and sustainably. I see myself as a mentor who prepares them for their profession and supports them in being successful as future managers. In return, I expect them to be committed and open to new ideas.
Thank you very much for the interview!
(Interview: Knebel/PE)
