Casinos Austria Appoints Andreas Bierwirth as New Group CEO
Austria.- 23 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Casinos Austria AG and Austrian Lotteries have announced the appointment of Andreas Bierwirth as the group’s new Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board, effective 14 March 2027.
Bierwirth will succeed Erwin van Lambaart, who has decided not to renew his five-year contract, which expires in March 2027.
The appointment, confirmed on 21 October 2026, comes at a critical moment for Austria’s gambling industry, with upcoming concession awards and proposals to liberalise the online gambling market.
New Leadership for Casinos Austria
Casinos Austria’s Supervisory Board confirmed Bierwirth’s appointment following an international executive search.
The incoming CEO brings considerable experience in corporate transformation and has been part of the group since 2025, when he joined as Chief Transformation Officer.
His professional background includes senior leadership positions at Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and Magenta Telekom.
His experience in competitive industries is expected to support the company as it prepares for significant changes in Austria’s gambling market.
Executive Board Restructuring
The appointment will also result in changes to the group’s corporate governance structure.
Following Van Lambaart’s departure, the Executive Board will consist of just two members:
- Andreas Bierwirth: Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board.
- Martin Škopek: Member of the Executive Board.
The reduction from three members to two will simplify the group’s leadership structure during a period of regulatory and commercial transformation.
Shareholder Comments
Edith Hlawati, representing Austrian state holding company ÖBAG, welcomed the appointment.
She highlighted Bierwirth’s understanding of the group’s current challenges, developed through his transformation responsibilities and previous experience managing corporate change.
Meanwhile, Robert Chvatal, CEO of Allwyn, praised Bierwirth’s leadership experience and highlighted the group’s preparation for the upcoming concession awards.
Chvatal also reaffirmed Allwyn’s commitment to the Austrian market and responsible gambling practices.
Recognition of Erwin van Lambaart’s Leadership
Supervisory Board Chairman Robert Zadrazil thanked Erwin van Lambaart, who has led Casinos Austria since 2022.
During his tenure, the group strengthened its financial position, advanced its digital transformation and prepared for future regulatory changes.
Van Lambaart informed the Supervisory Board in September that he would not seek another term.
The outgoing executive believes the changing competitive environment will benefit from a new leadership team capable of guiding the organisation through its next development phase.
Casino Concessions and Online Gambling Reform
One of the incoming CEO’s main priorities will be preparing for the next round of casino and lottery concession awards.
Currently, Casinos Austria holds all 12 land-based casino licences in Austria, while Austrian Lotteries operates Win2day, which holds the country’s exclusive online gambling and lottery licence.
The Austrian Government is considering regulatory changes that could alter the existing monopoly structure and introduce greater competition within the online gambling market.
Proposals also contemplate a future framework of 13 casino licences, compared with the current 12.
These developments could significantly reshape commercial conditions across the sector.
Next Steps and Industry Impact
Andreas Bierwirth will officially assume leadership of the group on 14 March 2027.
Until then, Casinos Austria will continue under Erwin van Lambaart’s leadership while preparing its executive transition and strategies for the upcoming regulatory changes.
For the gambling industry, the appointment represents a strategic leadership decision ahead of the potential liberalisation of Austria’s gambling market.
The new management team will need to combine digital transformation, competitiveness, concession renewals and responsible gambling policies to strengthen Casinos Austria and Austrian Lotteries’ position.
Editó: @fonta
