Mr Luis Drexel, one of the founding fathers of SPAR Austria, celebrated his 95th birthday on 8 May. A widely respected member of the SPAR family, Mr Drexel was responsible for launching the brand in the Vorarlberg region of Austria and was Chairman of the SPAR Austria Board for more than a decade.

During Luis Drexel’s time as Chairman,  SPAR Austria introduced the INTERSPAR Hypermarket format to the market and the SPAR Brand expanded rapidly throughout the country. Mr Drexel also assisted in his role in the preparations for the company’s growth beyond the borders of Austria into the neighbouring countries of Northeast Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, and Croatia.

Mr Drexel officially retired at the age of 76, but remains actively involved in the business and regularly visits the SPAR Head Office in Dornbirn.

His entrepreneurial spirit, vision and extraordinary professional achievements have seen him receive many awards, including the Grand Golden Medal of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria and the Province of Vorarlberg.

SPAR Austria celebrated this milestone, with the entire team sending him birthday greetings.