My main task is to ensure that the foundation’s projects get the resources they need to develop well. This is not just about finances, but also a question of strategy. Furthermore, I deal with social finance and the obligations of ERSTE Foundation as a core shareholder of Erste Group.

I was there when an Austrian savings bank became a large banking group in Central and Eastern Europe over the course of years. For a couple of years, my job took me to the Czech Republic. Like in Austria, there’s an effective foundation working alongside the bank, and already then, I was fascinated by how the focus was always on society and not only on business.

After more than 40 years in the banking business, including more than 20 years in a very successful listed banking group, it was very exciting to take on a role in a non-profit foundation. It is a great responsibility, but it also brings me a lot of fresh energy.