Ex-Siemens-Chef Hesoun steigt bei Silvia Grünberger aus

Wolfgang Hesoun, former CEO of Siemens Austria, has exited his role with PR agency Grünberger & Partner, according to insiders. The departure follows a brief tenure during which Hesoun joined the firm in June 2023 through his investment company, MCCG, holding a 5 percent stake. However, reports suggest that Hesoun is now seeking to exit the partnership, citing differences between himself and the agency’s leadership. Negotiations over his shareholding are currently underway, with both parties aiming to resolve the split amicably without public conflict. Hesoun had initially expressed enthusiasm about his new role, describing it as “an incredibly exciting task for a new life chapter.” He was expected to bring expertise in CEO positioning and leadership to the agency. Silvia Grünberger, head of Grünberger & Partner, praised Hesoun as a “long-standing, successful, and respected CEO” who would be a valuable partner. However, the collaboration appears to have soured quickly. Hesoun's name and image have already been removed from the agency’s website, though neither Grünberger nor Hesoun have publicly commented on the situation. Grünberger & Partner, founded by PR veteran Wolfgang Rosam, is one of Austria’s leading communications agencies. Last year, Grünberger acquired Rosam’s remaining 19 percent stake, giving her control of 70 percent of the firm. She is widely recognized as one of the country’s most prominent agency executives, having previously served as chair of the Young Austrian People’s Party (Junge ÖVP). A summer party hosted by the agency drew more than 300 guests, including members of the federal government down to Chancellor Christian Stocker. Hesoun did not attend this event. The move comes amid broader tensions involving Hesoun and other high-profile figures in Austrian business and politics. His involvement with Grünberger & Partner had reportedly played a role in his removal from the supervisory board of Casinos Austria in March 2026. At the time, Edith Hlawati, then CEO of the partially state-owned company, cited conflicts of interest due to Hesoun’s ties to the agency. Hlawati had previously lost a bid for the sole management position at the state-owned holding company to Hesoun, and she has reportedly held a grudge over the loss. According to internal sources within the ÖBAG, Hlawati’s decision to remove Hesoun from the supervisory board was influenced by his continued association with Grünberger & Partner, which also served as a client of Casinos Austria. This relationship was deemed incompatible with his role on the supervisory board. Additionally, Hesoun raised concerns about a proposed joint venture between the Post Group and Brightstar for a new lottery license, which would compete directly with the casinos. He argued that such a partnership would create a conflict of interest if the ÖBAG were to support one competitor over another. Hlawati reportedly faced pressure from Economics Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer to withdraw the Post Group’s proposal. Hesoun resigned from the supervisory board just minutes before the official announcement from ÖBAG regarding his non-renewal. The timing suggests that Hesoun’s departure from the agency may have coincided with these developments, further complicating his professional standing. Hesoun’s career has long been marked by high-profile roles in corporate and political spheres. As former CEO of Siemens Austria, he oversaw major projects and strategic initiatives. His transition into the PR industry through Grünberger & Partner represented a shift toward advisory and consultancy work. However, the rapid exit from the agency indicates that his new venture may not have aligned with his broader professional ambitions or relationships. Insiders suggest that the dissolution of Hesoun’s partnership with Grünberger & Partner reflects deeper personal and professional rifts. While the exact reasons remain unclear, the lack of public statements from either side underscores the sensitivity of the situation. Both parties appear intent on keeping the details private, focusing instead on resolving their financial arrangements discreetly. The agency continues to operate under Grünberger’s leadership, maintaining its status as a key player in Austria’s media and communications landscape. Meanwhile, Hesoun’s future moves remain uncertain, though his extensive experience in corporate governance and leadership positions him well for potential opportunities ahead.