Wienerberger CEO Scheuch resigns for health reasons

Wienerberger CEO Heimo Scheuch has resigned with immediate effect for health reasons after more than 17 years at the head of the company, ORF reported. Deputy CEO Gerhard Hanke will take over on an interim basis.

Scheuch asked the supervisory board to end his mandate early, the company said in a statement on Monday. Wienerberger will now begin a structured search for a permanent successor.

The company plans to present its results for the second quarter and the first half of 2026 on Wednesday as scheduled.

Wienerberger reported a net loss of 30 million euros in the first quarter, compared with a profit of 5 million euros in the same period last year. Revenue fell 7 percent to about 1 billion euros. Worldwide staffing declined from 20,348 to 20,220 employees.

In May, the company management under Scheuch maintained its earnings target for 2026. Chief financial officer Steinert said the outlook was being reaffirmed, but that the company had to wait and see how markets developed, including in relation to the Middle East.

Profit doubled in 2025

Wienerberger more than doubled its net profit in 2025 to 166 million euros despite continued weakness in new residential construction. Revenue rose 1 percent to 4.57 billion euros. Operating profit remained stable, while one-off effects supported the result. Net profit had fallen to 80 million euros in 2024.

In January, Scheuch highlighted the resilience of the business model, saying the company had maintained revenue and margins despite weak conditions in new construction. Management said Wienerberger was well positioned with a strong balance sheet to benefit from an expected market recovery driven by lower interest rates and public and private investment.