Sonja Horner leaves the WKÖ: a fresh start for the communication world!

Sonja Horner leaves the WKÖ: a fresh start for the communication world!

Wien, Österreich - Sonja Horner leaves the Austria (WKÖ) Chamber of Commerce at his own request. The long-time spokeswoman for WKÖ President Harald Mahrer and deputy head of the Communication Department has set essential impulses since 2018. During her time in the WKÖ, she decisively shaped the strategic and interest -political communication. Before that, she worked in the Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy in a senior communication function.

In an explanation, she thanked her warmly for the valuable time and says that she now wants to devote herself to new professional challenges. Harald Mahrer praised her commitment and the significant contribution to the positioning of the Chamber of Commerce. The WKÖ expresses her thanks for her many years of work and emphasizes that she leaves a stable foundation in communication work.

new press spokesman presents the team

With the resignation of Horner, the WKÖ also announced the appointment of a new press spokesman. Andreas Jilly, who previously worked for the Austrian Airlines since November 2023, is now taking up Sonja Horner's position. His experience also includes the press office in the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research as well as the Ministry of Finance.

Andreas Jilly, alongside Valentin Petritsch, who also belongs to the team of Mahrer, will act as the third spokesman. This personnel change comes at a time when the communication department of the Austrian Airlines was restructured. Ingrid Gogl has headed the newly created "Brand & Communication" department in which communication, marketing and brand management are concentrated.

strategic communication concepts for the future

In parallel to these changes, the communication strategy of the WKÖ is further professionalized. A new concept for the transport and traffic division of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce was developed to ensure targeted and uniform communication. Consultant Eva Michlits and Managing Director Harald Schiffl from the Clavis agency discussed expectations, goals and claims in a workshop.

The communication concept includes core messages, theme management and a planning framework for strategic media and public relations. The aim is to be able to cover all defined target groups by developing measures such as social media management, member communication and events such as the Logistik Salon.

Silvia Fleischhacker, Managing Director of Transport and Transport, praised the cooperation with the Clavis agency and emphasizes the importance of these measures for the future positioning of the division.

These developments in the WKÖ clearly show that the Austrian Chamber of Commerce strives to position itself modern and contemporary, while at the same time relying on proven structures and experienced heads.