VERBUND AG has appointed Stefan Waldner as its new Chief Financial Officer and member of the Management Board, effective immediately. The Supervisory Board's decision, announced on October 7, 2026, fills a critical leadership role at Austria's leading energy company and signals a continued emphasis on financial discipline and strategic capital allocation in a rapidly evolving energy sector. Waldner's two-year term, with an option for a further two-year extension, underscores the company's commitment to stability and long-term planning.
Waldner brings more than two decades of experience in the international energy industry, with deep expertise in financing, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions. He currently serves as Senior Vice President in OMV's finance function, where he has been instrumental in shaping financial strategies. His previous roles include CFO of OMV Petrol Ofisi in Turkey and CFO and Executive Board member of OMV Petrom in Romania, giving him a robust understanding of diverse energy markets and operational challenges. He began his career at Merrill Lynch International in London and joined OMV in 2005, steadily advancing through positions of increasing responsibility.
The appointment is significant for VERBUND as it navigates the complexities of the energy transition, requiring substantial investments in renewable energy and infrastructure. Waldner's capital markets expertise will be crucial in securing financing for these initiatives while maintaining the company's financial health. As Martin Ohneberg, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, noted, "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 endorsement highlights the board's confidence in Waldner's ability to drive value and uphold VERBUND's reputation as a financially sound entity.
Edith Hlawati, CEO of OBAG and member of the Nomination Committee, emphasized the internal talent development, stating, "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 the strength of the group's leadership pipeline and ensures continuity in strategic direction. Waldner himself expressed enthusiasm, saying, "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."
Waldner succeeds Peter Kollmann, who stepped down on August 31, 2026. During the interim, CEO Michael Strugl oversaw the finance portfolio, and the Supervisory Board has expressed gratitude for his additional responsibility. The smooth transition is vital for VERBUND as it continues to execute its strategy amid volatile energy markets and regulatory changes. For more details, view the original release on www.newmediawire.com, as reported by NEWMEDIAWIRE.
The appointment of Stefan Waldner as CFO is more than a routine executive change; it is a strategic move that positions VERBUND to leverage its financial expertise in pursuing growth opportunities and tackling the challenges of decarbonization. With his extensive background, Waldner is expected to play a pivotal role in steering the company toward a sustainable and prosperous future, reinforcing VERBUND's standing as a key player in Europe's energy landscape.
