Dietmar Heinisser has resigned from his position as a member of the ANDRITZ AG Executive Board for personal reasons, effective September 21, 2026, the company announced. Heinisser was responsible for the Environment & Energy business area and Group Manufacturing Management. His departure marks a significant change in the leadership of the international technology group, which employs about 30,000 people at 280 locations in over 80 countries.
Heinisser joined ANDRITZ in 1997 and held various management positions across the group in Austria, Germany, and the United States during his nearly 30 years with the company. He played a significant role in developing and substantially growing ANDRITZ’s Paper Service business. He was appointed to the Executive Board in 2023. His resignation comes after a relatively short tenure on the board, but follows a long and impactful career within the organization.
“I regret Dietmar’s departure and, on behalf of ANDRITZ, would like to thank him for his strong commitment and valuable contributions during his many years with the company and his time on the Executive Board. We respect his decision and wish him all the best for the future,” said Joachim Schonbeck, President and CEO of ANDRITZ.
Until further notice, Schonbeck will assume the Executive Board responsibilities previously held by Heinisser. This includes oversight of the Environment & Energy business area and Group Manufacturing Management. The consolidation of responsibilities under the CEO may streamline decision-making in the short term, but it also raises questions about the company’s leadership structure and potential succession planning.
The departure of a key executive can affect investor confidence and operational continuity, particularly for a company with a global footprint and a focus on sustainable solutions and digitalization. ANDRITZ, founded in 1852 and headquartered in Austria, is a publicly listed group that provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions for industries including pulp and paper, metals, hydropower, and environmental. The company’s growth is driven by sustainable solutions enabling the green transition and comprehensive services.
Heinisser’s exit may prompt the company to reassess its strategic priorities in the Environment & Energy sector, which is central to the green transition. His experience in growing the Paper Service business could be a loss, but Schonbeck’s direct involvement may ensure stability. The press release is available for download at andritz.com/news, and further details can be found on www.newmediawire.com.
The change in the Executive Board comes at a time when industrial technology companies are navigating complex economic and environmental challenges. ANDRITZ’s commitment to innovation and sustainability remains, but the leadership transition will be closely watched by stakeholders. How the company manages this change will be crucial for its ongoing growth and its ability to deliver on its promise of “FOR GROWTH THAT MATTERS.”
