Last year, HRWorks published a list of the „99 most important HR influencers in 2023“ from the DACH region. Although there are numerous voices from the Austrian HR sector who share their expertise, opinions and working methods online, Austrians were grossly underrepresented on the list (one out of 99).
Marion Eppinger – the HR Passionista and initiator – wanted to change this. Together with Vivien Schulter, she created a list exclusively for Austria and launched the „Austria’s Top HR Influencers“ initiative.
Austria’s top HR influencers will once again be honoured in 2024. Following a successful nomination phase in which over 330 submissions were received, these were reviewed to ensure they met the submission criteria, after which a shortlist was created. This shortlist will now be presented to our jury, consisting of partners with HR experts, for evaluation.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the jury members for their commitment and to introduce them briefly:
Our expert jury
Ramona Tocitu, MSc, MA in Social and Economic Sciences
UniCredit Bank Austria | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success,” as Albert Schweitzer once said. This aligns closely with my personal philosophy. I believe that finding joy in the journey, whether through travel, meeting new people, or immersing myself in different cultures, is what truly leads to success. I am a curious person eager to explore the world around me. This sense of curiosity has been a guiding force throughout my career at UniCredit, where I have worked across three countries and five legal entities. Over the last nine years in HR, I have embraced roles ranging from HR management to Executive Development and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I). In my current role as DE&I Manager in Austria, I am focused on creating a workplace where inclusivity and well-being are at the heart of everything we do.
That’s why I support the Top HR Influencers initiative
As Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager at Bank Austria, I am proud that we are supporting the Top HR Influencers initiative this year. Our goal is to create the best possible working environment for our employees by promoting innovative and progressive HR practices. We are excited to host the Top HR Influencers celebration and encourage these innovative thinkers to continue inspiring companies to adopt forward-thinking HR strategies.
Richard Melbinger began his professional career as the managing director of an educational institution and a role he has remained in ever since. Since 2019, he has held the same position at ARS Academy, Austria’s largest private educational institution. Coaching and the further development of employees are particularly important to him. He studied agile organisations and collective leadership intensively at Danube University Krems and has since been embracing „New Work“ in all its facets.
That’s why I support the Top HR Influencers initiative
HR experts are often „the heart of the company“. We are therefore particularly pleased about Marion Eppinger’s „HR Influencers“ initiative. It gives the topic of HR and all those active within and outside the community, the attention they deserve.
Richard Melbinger
ARS Akademie | Geschäftsführer
Tanja Sourek, MA
Pluxee Austria & Germany | Chief Marketing Officer
During her management career at TelCo (A1, Magenta) and at the bank, the proven marketing expert has proven her ability to form, motivate and led teams, having done so with 99. Attracting and retaining the right talent is essential for productivity. It was developing and retaining this talent that led Tanja to employer marketing, and her current position at the leading employee benefits company, Pluxee.
That’s why I support the Top HR Influencers initiative
Women face particular challenges in the workplace, such as the authority gap, a lack of mentoring, underrepresentation in management and on boards, and the pay gap. Creating women-friendly, inclusive workplaces starts with HR from a female perspective.
After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Leeuwarden, in the Netherlands, she embarked on a professional career that took her to Scotland and finally brought her back to Vienna 20 years ago. There, she immersed herself in the field of „People & Culture“. She has since held various roles, inlcuding HR coordinator, business partner to HR manager, and has always aimed to strengthen and develop organisations and their teams.
Why I support the Top HR Influencers initiative
I support the initiative because I believe it is essential to raise the profile of HR both internally and externally. Many people cannot imagine what HR work entails, and many colleagues contribute to it. In my opinion, making this more tangible should also be recognised and rewarded.
Andrea Domenig, BA
Lebenswege | Interim HR Managerin, Podcasterin und Audiografin
Tanja Sourek, MA
Die Karrierearchitekten | Gründerin und Geschäftsführung
Silvia Kodada is an experienced HR expert with Styrian roots. She has almost 20 years‘ experience in IT recruitment, active sourcing, headhunting and executive search. She is renowned for filling challenging roles and optimising search strategies. However, she considers her main strength to be authentic, honest and appreciative communication and transparent processes. After all, HR is always about people, and an understanding of people is particularly important during times of change and restructuring.
She combines expertise, passion and a deep understanding of her clients‘ and candidates‘ needs in her work.
That’s why I support the Top HR Influencers initiative
Networking and knowledge sharing are essential for creating synergies. Collaboration enables trends and best practices to be shared and strengthening the visibility of the HR community’s expertise. Networking like this promotes innovation and continuous learning in the industry, and it’s great fun!
Marion Eppinger #hrpassionista is a versatile and passionate HR professional who enjoys working with people. She is a management consultant specialising in strategic HR issues relating to change and communication, as well as systemic coach for the HR sector and leadership. As an HR blogger and influencer, Marion shares her experience and knowledge to raise awareness of HR issues and promote knowledge exchange within the industry.
That’s why I support the Top HR Influencers initiative
Austria has more to offer than just Sachertorte and Viennese waltzes – it also has a diverse and innovative HR landscape. This initiative shines a spotlight on individuals who are having a lasting impact on the HR scene through their work. My motivation is to give these influencers recognition and visibility, while at the same time highlighting the importance of HR. Together, we are creating a movement that is rethinking the world of work in a new and sustainable ways.
Marion Eppinger
HR Passionista | HR Consultant, Influencerin & Bloggerin
Our partners and supporters
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners, for making this election and awards ceremony possible.
Thank you very much for your support:
