VERBUND AG, Austria's leading energy utility, has appointed Stefan Waldner as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and member of the Management Board, effective immediately. The Supervisory Board announced the decision on October 7, 2026, filling a critical leadership void left by Peter Kollmann, who stepped down on August 31, 2026. Waldner's appointment is for an initial two-year term, with an option to extend for another two years, signaling stability and continuity in the company's financial leadership.
Waldner, 49, brings over 20 years of experience in the international energy industry, with deep expertise in financing, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions. He 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 Turkiye 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. This background uniquely positions him to navigate VERBUND's financial strategy amid Europe's energy transition.
The appointment matters because VERBUND is a major player in renewable energy and grid infrastructure, and its financial health is crucial for Austria's energy security and decarbonization goals. Waldner's capital markets expertise and operational CFO experience will be instrumental in supporting VERBUND's strategy, as emphasized by Martin Ohneberg, Chairman of the Supervisory Board: "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." This highlights the board's confidence in Waldner's ability to uphold the company's financial integrity while pursuing growth opportunities.
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 reflects VERBUND's commitment to leveraging talent from its parent company's network, potentially ensuring smoother integration and alignment with broader corporate objectives.
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 emphasis on disciplined capital allocation comes at a time when energy companies face volatile markets and significant investment needs in renewables and infrastructure. Until Waldner assumes office, CEO Michael Strugl will continue to oversee the finance portfolio, and the Supervisory Board has thanked him for his additional responsibility, ensuring a seamless transition.
The implications of this appointment extend beyond VERBUND. As Austria's largest energy provider, VERBUND's financial decisions impact national energy policy and the broader European energy market. Waldner's experience in Romania and Turkiye, markets with diverse energy landscapes, could bring valuable insights as VERBUND expands its renewable footprint and navigates regulatory changes. His role will be pivotal in securing financing for projects that support the EU's Green Deal objectives.
For more details, view the original release on www.newmediawire.com. This announcement, covered by NEWMEDIAWIRE, underscores the importance of strategic financial leadership in the energy sector's evolving landscape.
