VERBUND AG, Austria's leading energy company, has appointed Stefan Waldner as its new Chief Financial Officer and Management Board member, effective immediately. The Supervisory Board announced the decision on October 7, 2026, opting for a two-year term with an option to extend for an additional two years. Waldner, 49, steps into the role following the departure of Peter Kollmann, who resigned on August 31, 2026. In the interim, CEO Michael Strugl has been overseeing the finance portfolio, a responsibility the Supervisory Board acknowledged with gratitude.
This appointment carries significant implications for VERBUND's financial trajectory amid a rapidly evolving energy landscape. Waldner brings over 20 years of experience in the international energy industry, with deep expertise in financing, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions. His most recent position was Senior Vice President in OMV's finance function, and he has previously served as CFO of OMV Petrol Ofisi in Turkey and as CFO and Executive Board member of OMV Petrom in Romania. He began his career at Merrill Lynch International in London before joining OMV in 2005. This blend of operational and financial leadership is expected to bolster VERBUND's strategic initiatives, particularly in securing sound financing and disciplined capital allocation.
Martin Ohneberg, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, emphasized Waldner's fit: "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, added, "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 promotion signals OBAG's commitment to leveraging its existing talent pool, potentially streamlining succession planning and reinforcing corporate governance.
Waldner himself expressed enthusiasm: "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 ongoing efforts to navigate energy transition challenges, including renewable energy investments and infrastructure modernization. The appointment is likely to reassure investors and stakeholders about the company's financial stewardship, especially given Waldner's proven track record in complex markets.
The news was originally released via NEWMEDIAWIRE, a platform for corporate announcements. For more details, the full release is available at www.newmediawire.com. Overall, Waldner's appointment is poised to impact VERBUND's financial policies and strategic direction, ensuring continuity and expertise in a critical period for the energy sector.
