The year 2000 marked a transition for the Rehau Group when its founder transferred operational control to his sons, Jobst and Veit Wagner. This shift placed Jobst Wagner at the helm of a multinational industrial enterprise, overseeing a workforce of approximately 18,000 employees operating across 50 international markets during his tenure as chairman.
Early Education and Legal Training
Born in 1959 in Rehau, Wagner pursued an international education, attending schools in Canada, Germany, and Switzerland. He eventually focused his academic efforts on the study of law, graduating with a licentiate in law from the University of Bern. This legal background informs his approach to his various corporate and institutional governance roles.
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Wagner began his career at the Rehau Group in 1986, working through various internal positions before assuming the role of Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Following the company's acquisition of MB Barter & Trading in December 2018, he joined the new board of directors. As of 1 July 2021, he transitioned to the position of vice-chairman of the supervisory board while his brother, Veit, assumed the role of chairman.
Strategic Initiatives and Institutional Support
Beyond industrial management, Wagner is a significant shareholder and supervisory board member of SMH Verlag AG. He founded the research council within the Foundation StrategieDialog21, a platform focused on promoting federally-liberal values in Switzerland. His cultural philanthropic portfolio includes serving as president of the Kunsthalle Bern foundation and participating in the foundation boards for the Bern Kunstmuseum and the GegenwART foundation. He also advises the Bern University of the Arts and provides support for the International Film Festival Hof.
Professional Recognition
Wagner has received recognition for his contributions to both commerce and public life. In 1999, he was honored by the Handels- und Industrieverein Bern for his work with the GegenwART foundation. In 2018, the Bavarian State Minister for Economic Affairs, Energy and Technology, Franz Josef Pschierer, awarded him the State Medal for his contributions to the Bavarian economy. Additionally, he holds the status of honorary citizen of La Chapelle-Saint-Ursin, France.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959
- Birthplace: Rehau
- Citizenship: Switzerland
- Primary Occupations: Entrepreneur, Jurist
- Key Affiliation: Rehau Group
- Notable Role: Founder, Foundation StrategieDialog21
Questions readers ask
What is Jobst Wagner's current role at Rehau Group?
As of 1 July 2021, he serves as the vice-chairman of the supervisory board.
What is the focus of the foundation StrategieDialog21?
It operates as a dialogue platform dedicated to federally-liberal values and strategic development in Switzerland.
