IMARK was founded in 2001 by three members of the Institute of Marketing at the University of Innsbruck: Univ. Prof. Dr. Hans Mühlbacher, Oliver Koll, and Christoph Antretter. From the beginning, IMARK has combined scientifically sound concepts with practical business consulting. Initial projects emerged primarily in customer satisfaction research, where IMARK utilized its own methodological approach, as well as in the strategic positioning of services and companies.

With Monika Heppner, IMARK expanded its team early on and broadened the company’s methodological expertise. Monika brought particular expertise in qualitative market research, strengthening an area that became central to the in-depth understanding of customers, markets, and decision-making processes.

Between 2007 and 2010, IMARK evolved both organizationally and professionally. The move to a larger office in Claudiastraße created more space for growing collaboration within the team and with clients.

At the same time, the personnel base was broadened: Maria Kreuzer joined IMARK as a senior staff member, specifically strengthening qualitative market research—an area in which she also gained significant professional visibility through the German Market Research Award. Monika Heppner became a partner at IMARK during this phase.

In 2010, Alexander Corn and Ingrid Goller joined the team. This further strengthened IMARK’s Market Intelligence division in particular.

After more than 25 years, Hans Mühlbacher concluded his tenure as a university professor and head of the institute at the University of Innsbruck. He remains closely connected to IMARK: his knowledge and experience from research, strategy, and consulting continue to actively flow into client projects.

In 2018, following his habilitation, Oliver Koll was appointed as a full University Professor of Marketing at the University of Innsbruck. This ensures that a central element of the IMARK model is preserved for the long term: the close connection between scientific foundation and practical consulting.

In 2021, Maria Kreuzer and Christoph Ettlmayr became partners at IMARK. Simultaneously, the two central service areas, Strategy Development and Market Intelligence, were transitioned into two separate business units. This separation strengthens their respective specializations without abandoning the substantive connection: strategy work and the necessary data foundation remain closely integrated.

In 2021, IMARK moved into the office at Burggraben 6 in Innsbruck, which remains the company headquarters today. The move created more space for the growing team, new forms of collaboration, and the further development of both service areas.

In the same year, IMARK celebrated its 20th anniversary together with numerous clients, partners, and companions. The celebration marked an important moment in the company’s history: it represents two decades of scientifically sound consulting, long-term client relationships, and the continuous evolution of IMARK as a strategy and market intelligence partner.

Starting in 2022, IMARK established “Strategy Bites,” a dialogue format addressing current strategic issues. In Vorarlberg, Tyrol, South Tyrol, Salzburg, and Upper Austria, the focus is on topics such as continuous strategy work, strategic foresighting, and long-term market changes.

IMARK also continues to grow in terms of personnel: with Hanna-Lena Huck and Viktoria Bachmann, two young talents have joined the IMARK Strategy Advisors team. Florian Mayer brings additional expertise to Market Intelligence as a Data Analyst.

In September 2026, IMARK will celebrate its 25th anniversary together with clients, friends, and long-time companions.

At the same time, IMARK is expanding its team and its competencies: Simon Meinschad, long-time Managing Director of hollu Systemhygiene GmbH, becomes a new cooperation partner and strengthens the Organization and Leadership service area. His focus lies in the effective implementation of strategies in everyday business operations.