VERBUND AG Appoints Stefan Waldner as CFO, Signaling Financial Continuity Amid Energy Transition

VERBUND AG, Austria's leading energy utility, has appointed Stefan Waldner as its new Chief Financial Officer and Management Board member, effective immediately. The decision, announced by the Supervisory Board, fills a critical leadership gap following the departure of Peter Kollmann on August 31, 2026. Waldner's two-year term, with an option for extension, brings a seasoned financial expert to the helm at a time when the energy sector faces significant transformation and investment demands.

Waldner, 49, joins VERBUND with over two decades of experience in the international energy industry, including roles at OMV, where he currently serves as Senior Vice President in the finance function. His prior positions include CFO of OMV Petrol Ofisi in Turkey and 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. This background in capital markets, financing, and mergers and acquisitions positions him well to support VERBUND's strategic objectives.

Martin Ohneberg, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, highlighted Waldner's qualifications: "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." The appointment also received praise from Edith Hlawati, CEO of OBAG and member of the Nomination Committee, who noted that Waldner was a "100% match for the advertised profile" and emphasized the advantage of filling the role from within OBAG's portfolio companies.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for VERBUND, which is heavily involved in renewable energy projects and grid modernization. Waldner's focus on "sound financing and disciplined capital allocation," as he stated, will be crucial as the company balances growth investments with financial stability. His experience in diverse markets, including Turkey and Romania, may also aid VERBUND in expanding its international footprint and managing geopolitical risks.

Until Waldner assumes his role, CEO Michael Strugl will continue to oversee the finance portfolio, a responsibility he has held since Kollmann's departure. The Supervisory Board expressed gratitude for Strugl's additional duties, ensuring a smooth transition. Waldner's appointment is effective immediately, and he will work alongside fellow Management Board members to implement VERBUND's strategy.

For stakeholders, this leadership change signals continuity in financial management and a commitment to maintaining VERBUND's strong credit profile. As the energy industry grapples with volatile markets and regulatory shifts, Waldner's expertise in capital markets and M&A could be instrumental in securing funding for large-scale projects and optimizing the company's capital structure. The appointment also underscores VERBUND's emphasis on internal talent development within the OBAG group, potentially boosting morale and retention.

The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com, and further details are available via NEWMEDIAWIRE.