VERBUND AG, Austria's leading electricity company, has appointed Stefan Waldner as Chief Financial Officer and member of the Management Board, effective immediately. The Supervisory Board announced the decision on October 7, 2026, filling a critical leadership role after Peter Kollmann stepped down on August 31, 2026. Waldner's appointment is for a two-year term, with an option to extend for a further two years. The appointment matters because it places a veteran of the international energy industry at the helm of VERBUND's finances, signaling continuity in the company's strategic focus on sound financing and disciplined capital allocation.
Waldner, 49, brings more than 20 years of experience in the energy sector, 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 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 makes him well-suited to navigate VERBUND's financial priorities, which include maintaining a strong balance sheet amid Europe's energy transition.
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." The appointment thus reinforces VERBUND's commitment to leveraging internal talent and ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
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 investments in renewable energy and grid infrastructure, where financial discipline is crucial. Until Waldner takes office, CEO Michael Strugl will continue to oversee the finance portfolio. The Supervisory Board thanked Strugl for assuming this additional responsibility, highlighting the board's confidence in the interim arrangement.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for VERBUND, as European energy markets face volatile prices and regulatory shifts. Waldner's capital markets expertise and operational CFO experience will be instrumental in steering the company through these challenges. His track record at OMV, including leadership roles in Turkey and Romania, demonstrates an ability to manage complex financial operations in diverse markets. This global perspective is expected to benefit VERBUND as it expands its renewable energy footprint and seeks to optimize its capital structure.
For stakeholders, the appointment signals stability and a focus on financial rigor. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com, and further details are available via NEWMEDIAWIRE.
