wienerberger, a leading international provider of innovative and ecological solutions for the building envelope and infrastructure, announced today that Heimo Scheuch has stepped down as CEO with immediate effect for personal health reasons. After more than 17 years at the helm, Scheuch requested the Supervisory Board to accept the early termination of his mandate, a decision that has been accepted. Gerhard Hanke, who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer Central & East and Deputy Chairman of the Managing Board, has been appointed Interim CEO. The company has initiated a structured search for a permanent successor.
This leadership change comes at a pivotal time for wienerberger, which has undergone a fundamental transformation under Scheuch's guidance. Since taking over in 2009, Scheuch steered the company from a traditional brick manufacturer into a diversified international group with a strong focus on sustainability and infrastructure solutions. Under his leadership, wienerberger expanded its geographic footprint and built a robust position in water and energy management, alongside its core building envelope business. The company now employs more than 20,000 people and generated revenues of EUR 4.6 billion in 2025.
Peter Steiner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the entire board, acknowledging Scheuch's achievements: "When he took the helm in 2009, wienerberger was a brick manufacturer. Today, it is a leading international group with more than 20,000 employees, a resilient business model spanning the entire building envelope and infrastructure, and a clear sustainability agenda. This successful transformation is his achievement." Steiner also conveyed the board's respect for Scheuch's decision to prioritize his health and wished him a full and swift recovery. He expressed confidence in Hanke, describing him as "an experienced, deeply trusted leader who knows every dimension of wienerberger."
Gerhard Hanke brings over 25 years of experience at wienerberger to his new role. He previously served as CFO from 2021 to 2025, has been COO Central & East since March 2025, and has served as Deputy Chairman of the Managing Board since June 2026. His appointment ensures continuity in leadership, with the responsibilities of CFO Dagmar Steinert and COO West Harald Schwarzmayr remaining unchanged.
In a statement, Heimo Scheuch reflected on his tenure, saying, "wienerberger has been my home for thirty years – from my first days as an assistant to leading this group as CEO. I would like to thank our customers, business partners and shareholders as well as the Supervisory Board, my fellow Managing Board members, and the global wienerberger team for their trust and commitment over the past years. We have achieved a great deal together, and I am proud of every step. I had looked forward to continuing as CEO as planned, but the time has come to focus on my health. I am leaving the company in the best possible hands and have no doubt that wienerberger will continue its success story."
The abrupt leadership transition raises questions about the company's strategic direction, particularly as it prepares to release its second quarter and first half 2026 results on 12 August 2026. Investors and industry observers will be watching closely to see how Hanke navigates the interim period and whether the company's growth trajectory and sustainability agenda remain on track. The news also highlights the personal toll that leading a major corporation can take, and the importance of having a robust succession plan in place.
wienerberger is the world's largest producer of bricks and a market leader in clay roof tiles in Europe, as well as concrete pavers in Eastern Europe. In pipe systems, it is one of the leading suppliers in Europe, and it holds a leading position in facade products in North America. With more than 200 production sites, the company generated operating EBITDA of approximately EUR 754 million in 2025. The company's solutions enable energy-efficient, healthy, climate-friendly, and affordable living, aligning with broader environmental and sustainability goals.
As wienerberger embarks on this leadership transition, the market will be keen to see how the company maintains its momentum and addresses the challenges ahead. The appointment of Hanke, a seasoned insider, suggests a desire for stability and continuity, but the search for a permanent CEO will be critical to shaping the company's future. The departure of Scheuch marks the end of an era, but the foundation he built may well ensure wienerberger's continued success.
