New BAG chief wants to “reboot” the state-owned holding company

She replaces interim president Christine Katsta, who intervened after Thomas Schmid was forced to resign prematurely due to haggling in the talks.

With Hlawati, management based on international standards is now on the move to BAG: the goal is a ‘fresh start’. An “extended board” was installed, my sweets wanted two managers. It will be Carola Wahl and Robert Stajic.

Halawati wants the directors to be involved in important matters. Al-Halwati said recently, “With this step, we are moving from the previous four eyes principle to the six eyes principle for important decisions.” “At the same time, we will significantly enhance our technical expertise in the management team and accordingly contribute to the investments.”

It concerns people who are sent by BAG to the supervisory boards of associated companies such as Post, Telekom, OMV and Co. Perhaps the most important and difficult question for the associated companies at the moment is that of Telekom Austria, whether the transmission masts should be sold and leased back. Halawati is already the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Post and Telekom Austria.

There should not be any political influence, emphasized from the BAG environment. El-Halawati is said to be close to the vice president in the media, although not as clearly as he was with Schmid.

Al-Halwati did not wish to make any public statements prior to taking office. She wants to get used to it first. According to new BAG spokesperson Michael Moretz – who succeeded a confidant of Schmid – the board member, who by law bears full responsibility, will be happy to take on the media and the public after a few weeks.

The commercial lawyer will receive up to €750,000 per year as the head of the BAG. The basic salary is 585 thousand euros. There is also a maximum bonus of 25 percent.

Interim Board Member Christine Katsta is stepping down. However, she remained at BAG in supervisory board positions at Federation and Austrian Airlines (AUA). Catasta will also hold the functions of its supervisory board at Telekom Austria, OMV, Casinos Austria and BIG until the next regular general meetings.