Kriz-Zwittkovits

Ruck’s Successor: “It Was Just a Guys’ Gathering”

Margarete Kriz-Zwittkovits, successor to Walter Ruck at the Vienna Chamber of Commerce.(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

Who is the woman Walter Ruck claims saluted after receiving a “march order”? Following Ruck’s resignation, Margarete Kriz-Zwittkovits (67) has become his successor at the helm of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce. She speaks with Conny Bischofberger about girl power, guys’ jokes, and her thick skin.

“Ms. Kriz!” exclaims fishmonger Georg Gutfleisch, “or should I say ‘Madam President’ now?” The Sonnbergmarkt in Vienna’s 19th district is bustling with activity as the new head of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce arrives at booth 18-19 the day after her swearing-in ceremony. “I’ll have a soda with a little something in it,” Margarete Kriz-Zwittkovits laughs off the question and pulls a fan with purple flowers from her handbag. It’s 37 degrees. The businesswoman lives not far from here and served as chairwoman of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce in Döbling for nine years. “Traditionally, I always come here on Fridays,” she says, “for the best cod I know.”

“Krone”: Ms. Kriz-Zwittkovits, your double surname is quite a challenge. Are you of Croatian descent?
Margarete Kriz-Zwittkovits: My surname, Zwittkovits, is Burgenland Croatian. With my husband’s name, Kriz, there’s a Czech element to it as well—so it’s pure monarchy! Kriz originally would have had two háčeks as well. It would have been pronounced ‘Gschisch’ then.”— Laughs.