VERBUND AG has appointed Stefan Waldner as Chief Financial Officer and member of the Management Board, effective immediately, as announced by the Supervisory Board. Waldner, 49, brings over two decades of experience in the international energy sector, with a strong background in financing, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions. His appointment is for a two-year term, with an option to extend for an additional two years.
Waldner joins VERBUND from OMV, where he served as Senior Vice President in the finance function. His prior roles include CFO of OMV Petrol Ofisi in Turkey 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 experience positions him well to support VERBUND's strategic goals and maintain its financial strength, as noted by Martin Ohneberg, Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
The appointment is significant for VERBUND, Austria's leading utility and a major player in renewable energy. Waldner's expertise in capital markets and operational finance will be crucial as the company navigates the energy transition, requiring substantial investments in renewable infrastructure and grid modernization. His disciplined approach to capital allocation, highlighted in his own statement, will help VERBUND balance growth ambitions with financial prudence.
Edith Hlawati, CEO of OBAG and member of the Nomination Committee, emphasized that Waldner is a perfect fit for the profile, and praised the ability to fill the key position from within OBAG's portfolio companies. This internal promotion signals strong talent development within the group and ensures continuity in understanding the company's strategic priorities.
Waldner succeeds Peter Kollmann, who stepped down on August 31, 2026. Until Waldner takes office, CEO Michael Strugl will continue to oversee the finance portfolio, ensuring a smooth transition. The Supervisory Board expressed gratitude to Strugl for assuming this additional responsibility.
The appointment comes at a critical time for VERBUND as it accelerates its renewable energy expansion and aims to meet Austria's climate targets. Waldner's leadership in finance will be instrumental in securing funding for large-scale projects, managing risks, and optimizing the company's capital structure. His international experience, particularly in emerging markets like Turkey and Romania, could also support VERBUND's potential growth in Eastern Europe.
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