Doctorate in Philosophy, University of Vienna. Has held various leading functions in different sectors of Austrian business, including 5 years as Chief Executive Officer, Novomatic. Political career: 1992-97, Executive Director, Austrian People's Party Vienna. 2002, elected Deputy Chairman of the Party; 2005, elected Chairman. 1996-2003, Member of the Regional Parliament of Vienna. 2007-10, Federal Minister for Science and Research. 2010-14, Member of the European Commission in charge of Regional Policy. Since November 2014, Member of the European Commission in charge of Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations.