After graduating in engineering (Diplomingenieur 1989, Dr.techn. 1994) at University of Technology Graz, he started a professional career in business consulting with a major German consultancy, particularly in managing ERP implementations in multinational corporations in Germany, France, Austria, Slovenia and Canada. In 2004 he moved the focus of his professional activities to the university sector, and currently he is professor for financial management at University of Applied Sciences Burgenland. He is a passionate traveller with a special interest in the deserts and canyons of the US Southwest.