Key handover at the bank and insurance division

The outgoing chairwoman Herta Stockbauer, who represented the interests of the banking and insurance sector for more than a decade, was awarded, among other things, the Golden Badge of Honor of the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Decoration of Honor of the State of Carinthia for her extraordinary personal commitment.

The new division chairman

With the change at the top, Manfred Wilhelmer will take over as successor to representing the interests of Carinthian banks and insurance companies. During the ceremonial framework of the divisional conference, the long-standing chairwoman handed over the “key” to her successor. She particularly thanked the members of the divisional conference for their commitment and good cooperation. As the new chairman of the banking and insurance division, Manfred Wilhelmer wants to commit himself resolutely to the further development of Carinthia as a business location. Performance and competitiveness are just as important to him as cooperative working relationships and a supportive environment for all members.
Wilhelmer has been the board spokesman for Raiffeisen Landesbank Kärnten since 2023 and brings extensive experience with him, having worked in the industry for more than 30 years.

Challenges and goals

“The economic environment is certainly challenging at the moment, but there is definitely growth potential. The Carinthian banks and the insurance industry are important and proven partners. However, it is necessary to reduce bureaucracy and regulations,” emphasizes Wilhelmer. An efficient financial sector and a stable capital market need clear, practical rules, solid controls, consumer protection and stability – all in a balanced manner without slowing down the economy. Competitiveness and performance must be given greater focus again.

An industry with central importance

In the future, the new division chairman will be supported by his deputies Nikolaus Juhász (Chairman of the Board of Directors of BKS Bank AG), Michael Koren (CEO of Kärntner Sparkasse AG) and Johannes Kuschnig (State Director of UNIQA Österreich Versicherungen AG) as well as the members of the division conference. As a legal interest group, the banking and insurance division represents the interests of all banks and insurance companies in the federal state of Carinthia. The members of the banking and insurance division are central players in the financial center and employ more than 5,000 people in Carinthia. Banks provide the financial infrastructure and enable investments and jobs through loans to companies. The insurance industry protects individuals and companies and is also of central importance in private pension provision.