The Öbag supervisory board unanimously appointed Thomas Arnoldner as the new head of the state holding company on Friday, September 18, 2026. Arnoldner, currently a Telekom Austria board member, will succeed Edith Hlawati in the position on February 1, 2027.
The role was advertised in July 2026, attracting 80 applicants. Thomas Gangl was a favorite, but Economic Affairs Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer opposed him due to his ties to former OMV CEO Rainer Seele, a board member for Abu Dhabi investment vehicle XRG.
Simultaneously, the ÖBB CEO position was advertised following Andreas Matthä's planned departure in mid-2027. Transport Minister Peter Hanke mandated a DACH-wide search for the role, which is expected to be filled by the supervisory board in December 2026.