Career Story: Reinhard Rengshausen, Verbund GETEC

October 05, 2015

Professional MBA Energy Management alumnus

What stages in your life have had the greatest impact on you and why?

The birth of my two sons was obviously the most impressive situation in my life. You realize what really matters in life—and kids bring a real challenge to it.

Professionally speaking, I like to take on new tasks and situations. Therefore, my change to VERBUND in 2001 gave me a real boost.

Did you originally want to pursue a career in a different field? If so, why is it that nothing has come of your plans?

I always want to deal with people and have never considered a career in a field other than the energy sector.

How and why did you come to work for Verbund?

During my time at ESSO Austria, the electricity market was liberalized, and I found it very interesting to be involved in this process. This was the most interesting time in my career. I was really impressed by how professionally and efficiently VERBUND started this business. I loved to be able to bring customers new ideas regarding the purchase of electricity. It was the right time to participate in the energy markets and to generate savings. It was a great time and a big success when VERBUND entered the market. What has changed in your career as a result of your MBA degree? How did the program support you in reaching your career goals?

First and foremost, I appreciate the warm and friendly atmosphere among the MBA student community. Apart from working and studying hard, we had a lot of fun. I received loads of valuable input, allowing me to broaden my mind. Career-wise, I think it’s the best way to prepare yourself for the moment when you have to make the right decision. You certainly need to get the right opportunity, be in the right place at the right time and have the courage to take a risk, but with a thorough education under your belt and a clear goal in mind possibilities will open up for you. What has been your biggest professional/personal success?

I already mentioned that I like to deal with people. Therefore, I consider it a personal success that I have had good relationships with my customers for a long time. When I was a team leader at VERBUND, I derived great satisfaction from supporting my colleagues so that we were able to reach our targets. We were successful in selling a new product over the phone. Selling a non-featured good to a special customer segment you have no personal contact with is the ultimate challenge in sales. What are your goals for the coming year?

Is there still something you absolutely want to do?

VERBUND GETEC Energiecontracting GmbH started operating in 2015. My overall goal is to promote the company's development and to be successful. We supply industrial customers with energy solutions in the fields of steam, heating and cooling. As a contractor, we offer services ranging from planning and financing facilities all the way to constructing and operating them. The Energy Efficiency Act and highly competitive markets force businesses to search for economic, efficient and environmentally friendly energy supplies. And we are here to support them. What do you consider a “great luxury”?

To be with my family and friends, to have fun and to play sports. My greatest luxury will be finding the time to record my own CD/MP3s. What was the last book/movie you really enjoyed?

The last film that really impressed me was Avatar. How would you characterize your philosophy of leadership? Has it been influenced by a leadership role-model?

I would consider myself a highly motivated team player. I like to support my team so that we can reach our targets. Leadership is about giving people the possibility to develop and be part of a great opportunity to succeed.

How do you recharge your batteries when you are not pursuing your demanding career?

I like to jog and ride my bike. Apart from that, I play football and—alas, all too seldom—squash.

If you could change places with anyone for a day, who would it be?

With someone who has a lot of money so that I can spend it on social causes for handicapped people.

Why would you recommend the Professional MBA of the WU Executive Academy? What did you like the most?

I wanted to broaden my knowledge of the energy world. The MBA Energy Management was the best way to do so. My ambition was to find out more about the energy world as an economic driving force—and I have achieved that goal to my complete satisfaction. Reinhard Rengshausen, MBA, is Managing Director at VERBUND-GETEC Energiecontacting GmbH and graduated from the MBA Energy Management.