VERBUND AG has appointed Stefan Waldner as Chief Financial Officer and a member of its Management Board, effective immediately. The Supervisory Board announced the decision, stating that Waldner will serve an initial two-year term with an option to extend for an additional two years. He succeeds Peter Kollmann, who stepped down on August 31, 2026.
Waldner, 49, brings more than 20 years of experience in the international energy industry, with deep expertise in financing, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions. He currently holds a Senior Vice President position in OMV’s finance function. Previously, he served as CFO of OMV Petrol Ofisi in Türkiye and as 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.
“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,” said Martin Ohneberg, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of VERBUND AG.
The appointment is significant for VERBUND, Austria’s leading utility and one of Europe’s largest producers of hydropower. Waldner’s extensive background in capital markets and M&A is expected to be crucial as the company navigates the energy transition and seeks to fund strategic investments. His experience at OMV, a major integrated oil and gas company, provides him with a strong understanding of the financial complexities facing energy firms.
Edith Hlawati, CEO of OBAG and member of the Nomination Committee, commented, “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 highlights the depth of talent within the OBAG group and ensures continuity in leadership.
Waldner expressed his 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 need to balance growth with financial prudence.
Until Waldner assumes his duties, CEO Michael Strugl will continue to oversee the finance portfolio. The Supervisory Board thanked Strugl for taking on this additional responsibility during the transition period.
The appointment comes at a time when European energy companies are under pressure to invest in renewable energy and grid infrastructure while maintaining stable dividends and credit ratings. Waldner’s proven track record in capital markets and operational finance will be instrumental in helping VERBUND achieve its strategic objectives.
For more details, the original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com.
