VERBUND AG, Austria's leading electricity company, has appointed Stefan Waldner (49) as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and a member of the Management Board, effective immediately. The Supervisory Board approved a two-year term for Waldner, with an option to extend for an additional two years. Waldner succeeds Peter Kollmann, who stepped down on August 31, 2026. Until Waldner assumes his new role, CEO Michael Strugl will continue to oversee the finance portfolio, a responsibility the Supervisory Board acknowledged with gratitude.
Waldner brings over 20 years of experience in the international energy industry, with deep expertise in financing, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions. He currently serves as Senior Vice President in OMV’s finance function. His previous roles include CFO of OMV Petrol Ofisi in Türkiye and 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 extensive background positions him to support VERBUND’s strategic goals and maintain its financial strength, according to Martin Ohneberg, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, who stated, “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.”
The appointment has been welcomed by key stakeholders. Edith Hlawati, CEO of OBAG and member of the Nomination Committee, remarked, “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.” Waldner himself expressed enthusiasm, saying, “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.”
This leadership change is significant for VERBUND and the broader energy sector. Waldner’s proven track record in capital markets and operational finance is expected to steer VERBUND through an evolving energy landscape, where financial discipline and strategic investments are critical. His experience at OMV, a major integrated oil and gas company, brings a perspective that could enhance VERBUND’s ability to navigate market volatility and capitalize on emerging opportunities in renewable energy and infrastructure. For investors, Waldner’s appointment signals continuity and stability, as he is committed to maintaining VERBUND’s financial health and disciplined capital allocation. The two-year term provides a clear horizon for evaluating his impact, with the extension option offering potential for longer-term strategic continuity.
The news was originally released via NEWMEDIAWIRE, and the full release can be viewed at www.newmediawire.com. As VERBUND continues to play a pivotal role in Europe’s energy transition, Waldner’s leadership will be closely watched by industry analysts and stakeholders alike.
