wienerberger CEO Heimo Scheuch Steps Down for Health Reasons; Gerhard Hanke Appointed Interim CEO

wienerberger, a leading international provider of innovative and ecological building envelope solutions, announced today that Heimo Scheuch is stepping down as CEO with immediate effect for personal health reasons. Scheuch, who has led the company for over 17 years, requested the early termination of his mandate, and the Supervisory Board has accepted his decision. Gerhard Hanke, who currently serves as COO Central & East and Deputy Chairman of the Managing Board, has been appointed Interim CEO. The company will now conduct a structured search for a permanent successor.

This leadership change comes at a pivotal time for wienerberger, which has undergone a fundamental transformation under Scheuch's tenure. When he took the helm in 2009, wienerberger was primarily a brick manufacturer. Today, it is a diversified group with more than 20,000 employees, offering solutions across the entire building envelope and infrastructure sectors, including water and energy management. The company's strategic pivot has positioned it as a key player in sustainable construction, a market that is expected to grow significantly as Europe and North America push for greener building practices.

The appointment of Gerhard Hanke as Interim CEO ensures continuity. Hanke brings over 25 years of experience at wienerberger, having served as CFO from 2021 to 2025 and as COO Central & East since March 2025. His deep understanding of the company's operations and financial landscape makes him a trusted steward during this transition. The responsibilities of CFO Dagmar Steinert and COO West Harald Schwarzmayr remain unchanged, indicating a stable leadership team.

Peter Steiner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, expressed gratitude for Scheuch's contributions, stating, "When he took the helm in 2009, wienerberger was a brick manufacturer. Today, it is a leading international group with more than 20,000 employees, a resilient business model spanning the entire building envelope and infrastructure, and a clear sustainability agenda. This successful transformation is his achievement." Steiner also conveyed the board's respect for Scheuch's decision and wished him a full and swift recovery.

Scheuch, in his farewell statement, reflected on his long tenure, saying, "wienerberger has been my home for thirty years – from my first days as an assistant to leading this group as CEO. I would like to thank our customers, business partners and shareholders as well as the Supervisory Board, my fellow Managing Board members, and the global wienerberger team for their trust and commitment over the past years." He added that he is leaving the company in the best possible hands and has no doubt it will continue its success story.

wienerberger's financial performance remains robust, with revenues of EUR 4.6 billion and an operating EBITDA of approximately EUR 754 million in 2025. The company is scheduled to present its results for the second quarter and first half of 2026 on 12 August 2026, as planned. This upcoming earnings release will be closely watched by investors and analysts to gauge the company's momentum amid the leadership change.

The news of Scheuch's resignation may raise questions about the future strategic direction, but the board's swift action and Hanke's insider knowledge suggest a seamless transition. wienerberger's focus on sustainability and innovation in construction materials positions it well in a market increasingly driven by environmental regulations and demand for energy-efficient buildings. The company's extensive production network across more than 200 sites and its leadership in bricks, clay roof tiles, and pipe systems provide a strong foundation for continued growth.

For more information, the company has provided contact details for its corporate communications and investor relations teams. However, the leadership transition underscores the importance of stable governance in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead in the construction industry.