What would Thomas Vessel's appointment to the DARS board of directors mean for Southern's construction projects?

The recent potential inclusion of Tomaz Vesel into the supervisory board of Darsa has sparked discussions regarding its implications for the construction projects of the South. The decision, which was anticipated following a shareholders' meeting held earlier this week, did not materialize immediately, though the state, represented by the Ministry of Finance and the State Holding Company (SDH), signaled approval for past contributions made by current members of the board. This move could signal a shift in oversight dynamics within the largest infrastructure investor in Slovenia. The supervisory board of Darsa consists of nine members, with six representing capital interests appointed by the current government or SDH, while the remaining three are representatives of employees. The term of President Andrej Šušteršič, along with members Janko Kramžar and Nevenka Hrovatin, is set to expire at the end of September. Their successors will likely be determined by SDH, currently led by Žiga Debeljak, who is expected to recommend at least three new members to replace them. These appointments are crucial given the ongoing restructuring of the company's governance structure. Among the names circulating in the selection process for the supervisory board are several prominent figures. Petra Grah Lazar, head of the cabinet of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Public Administration, and Francija Matoza (from the SDS party quota), Melita Rozman Dacar (from the Democratic Party quota), who recently resigned from her position as director of SŽ-Tovorni Promet, and Aleš Buželan, director of Marjetice Koper, a public utility company under the NSi quota. Buželan stated that his accreditation with SDH is a matter for SDH to decide, indicating that he is not yet committed to the role. Notably, Tomaz Vesel has emerged as a possible candidate for the supervisory board. Vesel, previously president of the Accounting Chamber, is currently employed by the company Salomon and serves as a supervisor at Petrol and Termah Olimia. Although Vesel has not yet confirmed whether he is interested in the position, his involvement raises questions due to his connections with the ownership structure of Darsa. In March 2024, Dari Južna and his wife Vesna, through the company Strešnik, acquired more than a 30% stake in Salomon. The remaining shares are controlled by Martin Odlazek and his family, often referred to in media circles as the “media-sleight-of-hand” figure. Given these ownership ties, there is growing concern over the potential influence of Vesel’s appointment on the financial support of Odlazek’s media outlets and how it might affect Darsa’s construction activities. Dari Južna, a major player in the construction sector, operates CGP Novo Mesto, one of the largest construction firms in the country. The question remains whether Vesel’s entry into the supervisory board would lead to changes in the strategic direction of Darsa, particularly concerning its large-scale building projects. Meanwhile, the search for the chairman of the management board continues. While the call for applications is still open, public speculation suggests that Peter Drobež from Celje may be the favored candidate. Drobež, a well-known businessman and manager, has had a long career associated with Celje-based companies such as Etola/Frutar. He joined the Slovenian State Holding Company in 2022 but left his position by the end of August of the same year. Publicly linked to Zdravko Počivalšek and the SDS party, Drobež represents a blend of business acumen and political alignment. His potential appointment could further shape the leadership landscape of Darsa.