Thomas Waldner New Wiener Stadthalle MD

Wiener Stadthalle Welcomes New MD Thomas Waldner in 2023

The Wiener Stadthalle is set to welcome a new managing director, Thomas Waldner, on November 1, 2023. The 41-year-old, a native of Carinthia, brings extensive event organizing experience, having led the Danube Island Festival from 2012 to 2020. His appointment, facilitated by city councilor Barbara Novak, comes amidst staff dissatisfaction and an annual deficit of €4.8 million for the Stadthalle in 2024.

Waldner's arrival coincides with the completion of the multifunctional hall in St. Marx, intended for the Eurovision Song Contest, in 2030. The future use of the Stadthalle post-2030 remains uncertain. Waldner's task will include addressing staff concerns about working conditions and 'control mania' under the current managing director, Matthäus Zelenka, whose activities during November 2022 to October 2023 are not specified.

Waldner will not be assuming full control immediately. He will share the role with Zelenka, creating a dual leadership. This transition may be influenced by Denise Fürhacker, a close confidante of Zelenka, who has been at the center of criticism. Waldner's relationship with Fürhacker is unclear. Prior to this role, Waldner worked at 'Wien Ticket', also owned by Wien Holding, handling ticketmaster login for events at the Stadthalle.

Thomas Waldner's appointment as managing director of the Wiener Stadthalle brings a fresh perspective to the venue's operations. With his experience in event organizing and his familiarity with the Stadthalle through his previous role at 'Wien Ticket', Waldner is expected to help improve the venue's financial situation and staff morale. His shared leadership with Matthäus Zelenka and the uncertain future of the Stadthalle post-2030 present challenges that Waldner will need to navigate.