Austria's Defense Chief of Staff Roman Markhart Steps Down for Private Sector Role
Klaudia Tanner's (ÖVP) chief of staff at the Defense Ministry, Roman Markhart, is moving to the private sector. This summer, the 31-year-old will take on a management role, though he declined to disclose the exact company when asked by the APA news agency. Since 2022, the business administration graduate has served as the operational head of the defense minister's office.
Prior to this, Markhart worked in the office of former Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), where he oversaw energy policy and crisis management. During that time, he also led the national COVID-19 crisis coordination unit (GECKO). At the Defense Ministry, he spearheaded the development of the Austrian Armed Forces' 2032+ modernization plan, prepared the passage of the National Defense Financing Act, and managed several major procurement projects, including the acquisition of Leonardo subsonic jets. Additionally, he coordinated Minister Tanner's 2024 National Council election campaign in Lower Austria.
"After nearly a decade, the time has come to start something new," Markhart told the APA. Defense Minister Tanner thanked him, praising him as a "reliable, loyal, and politically experienced chief of staff" and wishing him "all the best and great success in his future endeavors."
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