Casinos Austria names Andreas Bierwirth as CEO, effective March 14, 2027
Leadership change follows Erwin van Lambaart’s decision not to renew his mandate ahead of concession process
Key Takeaways
- Andreas Bierwirth will become CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board on 14 March 2027.
- Erwin van Lambaart informed the Supervisory Board in September he will not renew his five-year contract, which expires in March 2027 when he will be 64.
- After March 2027 the Executive Board will have two members: Andreas Bierwirth and Martin Skopek.
- The Supervisory Board ran an international search led by a renowned executive search firm to select Bierwirth.
Casinos Austria’s Supervisory Board has appointed Andreas Bierwirth as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board, effective 14 March 2027. The appointment follows Erwin van Lambaart’s September notification that he will not seek renewal of his five-year contract, which expires in March 2027; van Lambaart will be 64 at that time.
Selection and timing
The Supervisory Board launched an international search process led by a renowned executive search firm after van Lambaart informed the board of his decision. From a broad candidate pool a clear recommendation emerged and the board resolved to appoint Andreas Bierwirth with effect from 14 March 2027. With van Lambaart’s Executive Board contract expiring in March, the Executive Board will consist of only two members in future: Andreas Bierwirth and Martin Skopek.
Board and shareholder comments
Robert Zadrazil, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, thanked van Lambaart “for the excellent performance of Casinos Austria and Österreichische Lotterien during his tenure and for everything he has achieved in strengthening the reputation and standing of both companies in a rapidly changing environment. The company is exceptionally well positioned to meet future challenges, benefits from a strong financial foundation, and has significantly advanced its digital transformation.”
Edith Hlawati welcomed the appointment and set out the board’s rationale for choosing Bierwirth. She said: “For Edith Hlawati, AB possesses all the qualities required to lead Casinos Austria and Österreichische Lotterien together with Martin Skopek through challenging times. ‘I am very confident with this decision. After one year as CTO of Casinos and Lotterien AB is very well aware of the challenges Casinos Austria Group is facing. In past management roles he has successfully managed transitions of former incumbents into competitive market environments. He is therefore highly qualified for the role of the CEO of Casinos Austria Group.’”
Allwyn, a stakeholder in the lotteries business, also commented through its CEO. Robert Chvatal said: “We would like to thank Erwin van Lambaart sincerely for his tremendous commitment. Under his leadership, both Casinos and Austrian Lotteries have developed very positively and are well positioned for the upcoming concession award process. I look forward to working with Andreas Bierwirth, a seasoned manager who I know will drive the Group’s next decisive steps with a strong business focus. At Allwyn, we share the same belief in, and passion for, responsible gaming, as well as a clear commitment to Austria.”
Transition context
The release notes that van Lambaart has prepared the group for upcoming regulative changes and the opening of the online market. The Supervisory Board said the group benefits from a strong financial foundation and a substantially advanced digital transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Andreas Bierwirth start as CEO of Casinos Austria?
Andreas Bierwirth takes office as CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board on 14 March 2027. The Supervisory Board made the appointment following an international search.
Why is Erwin van Lambaart leaving Casinos Austria?
Erwin van Lambaart informed the Supervisory Board in September that he will not seek renewal of his five-year contract, which expires in March 2027; he will be 64 at that time. He stated the changing environment will benefit from a new leadership team.
Who will serve on the Executive Board after the change?
Following the expiration of van Lambaart’s contract in March 2027, the Executive Board will consist of Andreas Bierwirth and Martin Skopek. The company announced the board will be reduced to those two members.
What did stakeholders say about the leadership transition?
Robert Zadrazil thanked van Lambaart for strengthening the companies’ reputations and for advancing the group’s digital transformation, while Allwyn CEO Robert Chvatal praised van Lambaart’s contribution and expressed confidence in Bierwirth’s business focus and commitment to responsible gaming.
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About the author
Marcus Webb
Industry Deals Correspondent
Marcus Webb covers the deal flow of the gambling industry — operator strategy, M&A, market entries, and product launches from sportsbook rebrands to full platform migrations. The reports name the companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as disclosed and separate the announcement from its market impact. When a group consolidates a brand or a challenger launches into a new state, Marcus Webb explains who gains, who pays, and what closes next quarter.
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