Austria's Economy Braces for Leadership Shake-up with Öbag and OMV CEOs Stepping Down

Austria's economy is bracing for a wave of leadership changes, with the CEOs of Öbag and OMV both stepping down in 2026. Stakeholders are pushing for earlier succession planning to ensure a smooth transition.

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2025 October 17 . 8:21 PM

1 min read

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Austria's Economy Braces for Leadership Shake-up with Öbag and OMV CEOs Stepping Down

Austria's economy is set for a wave of leadership changes, with key figures including Edith Hlawati, CEO of Öbag, and Alfred Stern, CEO of OMV, both due to step down in the near future. While Hlawati's successor search is planned to begin in mid-2026, some stakeholders are pushing for an earlier process.

Hlawati, who will turn 70 by the time her contract expires in February 2027, is seen as unlikely to extend her tenure. Her appointment in 2022 was contentious, with Wolfgang Hesoun initially favored for the position. Critics argue that Hlawati's focus on compliance has led to a neglect of an industrial strategy, but she has maintained the independence of companies from political influence. Karl Ochsner has praised Hlawati's work but emphasized the need for timely succession planning.

The future strategic direction of Öbag is being explored, potentially involving a more active role in Austria's economic policy. Meanwhile, Austria's Minister of Economy, Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, met with Öbag's supervisory board on September 25 to discuss these changes. The upcoming succession of OMV's CEO, Alfred Stern, in summer 2026, may also influence the timeline for Hlawati's replacement.

The search for Hlawati's successor is planned to begin in the summer of 2026, but some stakeholders, including Günther Ofner and Karl Ochsner, have requested an earlier process. As Austria's economy navigates these leadership transitions, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth handover and a strategic vision for the future.