Backhausen has trained in various textile companies in Munich, London, Paris and New York. Since 1997 he has been the CEO of Backhausen Interior Textiles, and since 1999 has been a member of the Committee for European and International Policy Issues within the Industrial Association of Austria. Mr. Backhausen is Vice President of the Board of Trustees for the Higher Federal Teaching and Research Institute, Vice President of the International Association of Furniture and Drapery Manufacturers, and Vice President of the Association of the Austrian Textile Industry. In 2007 Reinhard Backhausen was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year in the category of family-owned companies. Since 2010, he has been the President of the Association of Textile, Garment, Shoe and Leather Industry.