Employees at Austria’s biggest contractor, Strabag, were shocked at the unexpected death of their chief executive, Klemens Haselsteiner, on 17 January, aged 44.
The father of three died from an aneurysm while staying at a spa in Obervellach, reports Austrian newspaper Kleine Zeitung.
“Medically speaking, we had no chance,” the family’s doctor, Rainer Schroth, told the newspaper.
“He died of an aneurysm bleeding, so any help comes too late,” he added.
Born in 1980, the third eldest son of Strabag founder Hans Peter Haselsteiner, Klemens joined Strabag in 2011, becoming chief executive in 2023.
“His keen sense for anticipating future trends was a major factor contributing to Strabag’s strategic realignment,” the company said in a statement.
‘Most sweeping transformation’
The company added: “With ‘Work On Progress’, he initiated one of the most sweeping transformation processes in the company’s history, laying the groundwork for more sustainability, innovation and resilience at Strabag. His push for the digitalisation of the construction industry and for ecological transformation has had an impact that extends far beyond the company.”
“We will always remember him fondly and together with all of our 86,000 colleagues worldwide, we will continue to pursue the course he has set. As we believe he would have wanted,” the company said.
Klemens’ father Hans Peter, 80, has taken over the role of General Representative of Strabag while a successor is found, Kleine Zeitung reports.
The Haselsteiner Family Private Foundation currently holds 30.7% of Strabag shares, according to the newspaper
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