The 1980s were revolutionary years for sport throughout the world. The principle of performance and quid pro quo were interpreted anew - and the successful ski racer Harti Weirather was one of the first to recognize this development. During the years that followed, he significantly contributed to redefining the meaning of sponsorship in sport.

This path of Weirather's was clearly predetermined from the very beginning: At the age of 13 he already demonstrated the determination, willpower and enthusiasm for the sport that marked the start of his own career when he negotiated his first sponsorship contract with ski manufacturer Kneissl. The man who was later to become downhill skiing world champion will never forget the ski manufacturers' obligations under this contract: "Five pairs of skis and pocket money".

In the years that followed, Weirather kept unwaveringly to the principle that stars at the top of their sport should be rewarded for their outstanding ability and the high risks associated with their profession. In so doing he was not only able to achieve best times and win gold medals during his active career as a racing skier, but also secure lucrative advertising contracts for himself and his colleagues.

Leading ski-racer Hanni Wenzel also came into contact with the sponsorship business at an early stage. Due to her great successes and charisma, Wenzel was a sought-after figurehead for equipment suppliers and sponsors. At the same time she was also confronted with the negative side of the business: as a result of sponsorship activities, she was banned from starting in the 1984 Olympics, an unimaginable occurrence in the present day. What is more, she would have been a double defending champion...

The more Weirather and Wenzel concerned themselves with the subject matter, the clearer they were able to understand that in return for their commitment, sponsors expect a comprehensive service. Thus the pair entered a completely new-kind of race in 1987: they founded WWP, Weirather – Wenzel & Partner AG. In the early days of WWP, the power-pair even staged a strength-sapping double act: as active racing skiers and tireless event organisers.


Milestones:

1987: Company formation in Liechtenstein
1996: Opening of office in Feldkirch/Austria
2001: Opening of office in Barcelona / Spain
2003: Opening of office in Madrid / Spain
2004: Move from Feldkirch to Dornbirn
2006: Opening of office in Lisbon / Portugal
2007: Opening of office in Sofia / Bulgaria
2008: Opening of office in Milan / Italy
2009: Opening of WWP Creative in Telfs / Austria
2011: Opening of WWP Vienna