Jakob Leitner, Managing Director of SPAR Austria’s regional operations in Marchtrenk for 24 years, received the Silver Medal of Honour from the Federal State of Upper Austria. At an event held on 28 September 2024 to celebrate independent retailers in Upper Austria, Governor Thomas Stelzer recognised Jakob Leitner for his contributions to improving local supply in Upper Austria and for the jobs created under his leadership. His efforts have significantly enhanced Upper Austria’s attractiveness as a business location.

45 years with SPAR

Jakob Leitner began his career with SPAR Austria in 1979 as an assistant to the Logistics Manager at the company’s regional headquarters in Wörgl. Four years later, he became the local Logistics Manager. In the early 1990s, he took on the role of Head of International Warehouse Logistics at SPAR Austria’s central office in Salzburg. In 2000, he was appointed Managing Director of the regional SPAR Austria operation in Marchtrenk. Since then, sales turnover in Upper Austria and the number of employees have tripled, while the average store size has more than doubled.

Jakob Leitner has been instrumental in SPAR Austria’s success in that region. His leadership skills in sales, logistics, and production have significantly developed the local supply network and driven the SPAR brand’s success in the region.

“As an Upper Austrian by choice, it is an honour for me to receive the state’s medal of honour! I am delighted that SPAR Austria work in and for Upper Austria is being recognised. This award is also a tribute to all of my colleagues at our office—together, we have shaped our province with our hard work!” said Jakob Leitner.

SPAR in Upper Austria

Around 11,500 people are employed under the SPAR operation in Upper Austria, including 409 trainees. In addition to its regional office in Marchtrenk, there are distribution centres, food processing plants and a large bakery.  SPAR Upper Austria collaborates with 299 regional producers, showcasing their local products on an ‘Upper Austria shelf’ in all SPAR and EUROSPAR Supermarkets throughout the region.

Source: SPAR Austria

Read more about SPAR Austria

About SPAR Austria

The origins of SPAR in Austria date back to 1954, but the current SPAR AG was created in 1970 when the original founding families joined other regional wholesalers to form SPAR Austria AG – a 100% privately owned Austrian company. With licences granted by SPAR International, ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG) has developed the brand in Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, and Northern Italy.