Rainer Lueg: New professor for sustainable finance in Flensburg!

Rainer Lueg: New professor for sustainable finance in Flensburg!

The European University of Flensburg has welcomed a new professor of finance and accounting. Prof. Dr. Rainer Lueg, who has been working at the university since September 1, 2025, brings extensive international experience gained at institutions such as McKinsey & Co., Aarhus University and Leuphana University Lüneburg. Lueg devotes his research to the exciting connection between economic success, ecological responsibility and social impact, which is of central importance in today's business world.

His work is particularly focused on control and reporting systems that not only meet the requirements of investors, but also make sustainable transformations transparent. Lueg examines how capital markets react to information about climate and sustainability aspects and how companies adapt their control mechanisms as a result.

Sustainability and corporate governance

In an increasingly volatile business environment, clearly defining the reason for existence for companies is more important than ever. Loud EY Strategic goals should not only be based on avoiding negative impacts, but also on actively creating positive values. These include, among other things, reducing the CO2 footprint, optimizing supply chains and using green electricity.

It is crucial that companies integrate sustainable goals into their overall corporate strategy to avoid a parallel sustainability strategy. The current EU ESG regulations confirm the need to anchor sustainability goals in strategic processes.

Lueg teaches both bachelor's and master's programs at the European University of Flensburg and attaches great importance to comprehensive general financial education and shaping the sustainable transformation of the economy and society. It also promotes young scientists and supports doctoral projects in close collaboration with companies.

Required changes in companies

The integration of ESG goals requires a structured change process within companies. According to that Work by Dirk Lippold Sustainability is increasingly perceived as a success factor for entrepreneurial activity. Companies that pursue a clear ESG agenda not only enjoy competitive advantages, but are also better prepared for regulatory requirements.

CFOs play a central role in this context as they are responsible for creating transparency and financing sustainable transformations. The challenge is to strengthen the commitment to aligning with ESG goals within company management - for example by tying management salaries to ESG metrics.

The involvement of students in the EUF is another element that shapes Lueg's teaching. Through workshops with practical partners, students develop a deep understanding of economic relationships. This could be invaluable in the future development of companies, especially considering that 43% of company leadership see the lack of commitment to aligning with ESG goals as the biggest challenge.