Andreas Bierwirth will succeed Erwin van Lambaart next March ahead of upcoming regulatory changes and the opening of the online market in Austria

The Casinos Austria and Austrian Lotteries Group has appointed Andreas Bierwirth as its next chief executive officer to succeed Erwin van Lambaart.

Van Lambaart informed the supervisory board in September that he will not seek a renewal of his mandate at the end of his five-year contract, which expires in March 2027.

The supervisory board then launched an international search process and has now confirmed that Bierwirth will take over as CEO and chairman of the executive board, effective 14 March 2027.

Bierwirth has served on the company’s executive board since September 2025 following his appointment as chief transformation officer, having previously served as a board member of Casinos Austria.

With the expiration of van Lambaart’s contract in March, the executive board will consist of only two members – Bierwirth and finance chief Martin Skopek.

“I am very confident with this decision,” said Edith Hlawati, board member of Casinos Austria’s co-owner ÖBAG.  “After one year as chief transformation officer, Andreas Bierwirth is well aware of the challenges facing the group. In previous leadership roles, he has successfully guided established companies through periods of change and into competitive market environments. He is, therefore, exceptionally well-qualified for the position of CEO of the Casinos Austria Group.”

Allwyn CEO Robert Chvatal commented: “We would like to express our sincere thanks to Erwin van Lambaart for his extraordinary dedication. Under his leadership, Casinos Austria and the Austrian Lotteries have developed very positively and are well-positioned for the upcoming concession award process. 

“I look forward to working with Andreas Bierwirth – an experienced manager who, I am confident, will drive the group’s next critical steps forward with a strong entrepreneurial focus. At Allwyn, we share the same belief in and passion for responsible gaming, as well as a clear commitment to Austria.”

Hlawati added: “As CEO, Erwin van Lambaart has played a decisive role in shaping the casino and lottery business in Austria and has prepared the group very well for upcoming regulatory changes and the opening of the online market. We are grateful to him for his commitment and dedication.”

Photo from left to right: Martin Škopek, Erwin van Lambaart, Robert Zadrazil, and Andreas Bierwirth