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 announced the decision on October 7, 2026, following the departure of Peter Kollmann on August 31, 2026. Waldner's appointment is for a two-year term, with an option to extend for a further two years. Until he takes office, CEO Michael Strugl will continue to oversee the finance portfolio, a responsibility the Supervisory Board acknowledged with thanks.
Waldner brings more than 20 years of experience in the international energy industry, with extensive expertise in financing, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions. He currently holds a Senior Vice President position 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 and joined OMV in 2005.
Martin Ohneberg, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of VERBUND AG, said, "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." Waldner himself commented, "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."
For business and technology leaders, Waldner's appointment signals continuity in VERBUND's financial strategy amid the global energy transition. His deep experience in capital markets and M&A will be crucial as VERBUND navigates investments in renewable energy, grid modernization, and digitalization. The move also highlights the importance of internal talent development within OBAG's portfolio, potentially influencing succession planning across the industry. As energy companies face increasing pressure to balance sustainability goals with financial performance, Waldner's operational CFO background may provide a competitive edge. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com, and further details are available through NEWMEDIAWIRE.
