Manuela Waldner has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer of the Austrian State Railways’ Holding Board, replacing Arnold Schiefer from July 1st. The decision was made unanimously by the ÖBB supervisory board on Tuesday. Waldner, who is 42 years old, is currently a partner and managing director at the Boston Consulting Group Austria, and is regarded as an expert in the areas of digital transformation, green tech, and mobility sectors, with extensive financial experience. She began her career as a technician for bridge and tunnel construction projects and later worked as an auditor at KPMG.
Waldner is the first woman to join the ÖBB Group Board of Directors and will be working alongside Bahn boss Andreas Matthä. Her contract with the company is set to last for five years. Her appointment comes as a significant development in the rail industry.
The ÖBB Group Board of Directors is responsible for managing the finances of the Austrian State Railways, which is a critical infrastructure for the country’s transportation system. Waldner’s experience in digital transformation, green tech, and mobility sectors will be an asset to the organization as it continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges.
The appointment of Waldner as the new CFO emphasizes the ÖBB’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in its leadership team. Her expertise and financial experience will undoubtedly contribute to the company’s success in the coming years, as it navigates an increasingly complex business environment.
Waldner’s appointment is a significant milestone for women in the rail industry, as she becomes the first woman to hold a senior leadership position on the ÖBB Group Board of Directors. The rail industry has traditionally been male-dominated, but with more women like Waldner taking on leadership roles, there is a growing recognition of the value of diversity in the sector.
Waldner’s appointment as the new CFO of the Austrian State Railways’ Holding Board is a positive development for the organization and the rail industry as a whole. With her experience and expertise in digital transformation, green tech, and mobility sectors, Waldner is well-positioned to lead the company’s finances and contribute to its ongoing success.