VERBUND AG, Austria's leading electricity company, has appointed Stefan Waldner as its new Chief Financial Officer and Management Board member, effective immediately. The announcement, made by the Supervisory Board, fills a critical leadership void following the departure of Peter Kollmann on August 31, 2026. Waldner's appointment is for an initial two-year term, with an option to extend for an additional two years, signaling stability and continuity in the company's financial leadership.
Waldner, 49, brings a wealth of experience from more than 20 years in the international energy industry. His expertise spans financing, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions. Currently a Senior Vice President in OMV's finance function, he has previously served as CFO of OMV Petrol Ofisi in Turkey and as CFO and Executive Board member of OMV Petrom in Romania. His career began at Merrill Lynch International in London, and he joined OMV in 2005. This diverse background positions him well to navigate VERBUND's financial landscape, which is increasingly shaped by Europe's energy transition and the need for substantial investments in renewable infrastructure.
The appointment is significant for VERBUND, which plays a pivotal role in Austria's energy sector and is a major player in European hydropower. As the company pursues its strategic goals, including expanding renewable energy capacity and maintaining financial discipline, Waldner's capital markets expertise and operational CFO experience will be crucial. Martin Ohneberg, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, emphasized this, stating, "Stefan Waldner combines capital markets expertise with operational CFO experience in the energy industry. He is well placed to support VERBUND's strategy and maintain its financial strength."
Edith Hlawati, CEO of OBAG and member of the Nomination Committee, highlighted the internal talent pool, saying, "We are delighted to have found a candidate who is a 100% match for the advertised profile. I am even more pleased that we were able to fill this important key position from within OBAG's portfolio companies." This internal appointment not only ensures a deep understanding of the company's culture and operations but also reflects VERBUND's commitment to nurturing leadership from within its network.
Waldner expressed his enthusiasm for the role: "I look forward to working with my fellow Management Board members and our employees to implement VERBUND's strategy, with a focus on sound financing and disciplined capital allocation." His priorities align with VERBUND's need to balance growth investments with financial prudence, especially as the energy sector faces volatile markets and regulatory changes.
Until Waldner assumes his duties, CEO Michael Strugl will continue to oversee the finance portfolio, ensuring a smooth transition. The Supervisory Board has expressed its gratitude for Strugl's additional responsibility. For more details on this announcement, view the original release on www.newmediawire.com. This appointment underscores VERBUND's strategic focus on experienced leadership to drive its financial and operational success in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
