Early Life and Education
Wolfgang Leitner was born on March 27, 1953, in Graz, Austria. His father was a metal worker at Andritz AG. Leitner's early life was marked by a strong interest in science and engineering. He excelled in his studies, which led him to pursue higher education in chemistry. In 1978, he earned a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Graz.
Rise to Success
After completing his education, Leitner began his career in research at Vianova, an Austrian subsidiary of Hoechst AG. In 1981, he joined McKinsey & Company as a management consultant. A pivotal moment in his career came in 1987 when he joined Andritz AG as the CFO. He became CEO in 1994, a role he held until 2022. Under Leitner's leadership, Andritz AG experienced remarkable growth, becoming a global leader in the pulp and paper industry. He oversaw the company's expansion into new markets, including renewable energy. In 1999, Leitner acquired a 26% stake in Andritz AG. He led a management buyout with private equity firms and took the company public on the Vienna Stock Exchange in 2001.
Key Business Strategies
Leitner's success at Andritz AG was built on strategic acquisitions and a focus on innovation. He spearheaded the company's expansion through over 70 acquisitions. Leitner's commitment to research and development enabled Andritz to stay at the forefront of the industry. Furthermore, he invested in emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Latin America. Leitner also founded Genericon Pharma in 1986, demonstrating his entrepreneurial drive.
Philanthropy
While specific philanthropy amounts are not readily available, Leitner is known for his interest in sustainable forestry, investing in forestry initiatives. He has also shown interest in dairy farming in New Zealand.
