Austria is mourning the unexpected loss of Klemens Haselsteiner, the board chairman and CEO of one of Europe’s largest construction companies, Strabag SE. Haselsteiner passed away on January 17, 2025, at the age of just 44, leaving many within the company and the broader construction community shocked and saddened.
Strabag SE announced the news late on Friday, expressing their deep sorrow over the sudden demise of their leader. "With great dismay, we must announce the unexpected death of the CEO of Strabag SE, Klemens Haselsteiner today, January 17, 2025," the company stated. "The thoughts of all employees are with his family," they added. Company spokespersons confirmed he died of natural causes, but specific details surrounding his passing have not been disclosed.
Haselsteiner had been part of Strabag's executive team since January 2020 and took on the role of CEO on January 1, 2023. A point of pride for him was to guide Strabag through significant changes, focusing on sustainability and technological innovation. His father, Hans Peter Haselsteiner, previously led the company and continues to hold significant influence with the family owning 30.7% of the company's shares.
Born in 1980 and raised in South Tyrol, Klemens was the third of four sons. He studied business administration at DePaul University in Chicago before embarking on his career with Strabag. His professional path included five years of experience working with Strabag's operations in Russia and five more with the company’s subsidiary, Ed. Züblin AG, based in Stuttgart.
During his tenure, he not only managed important infrastructure projects but also championed initiatives aimed at decarbonizing the construction sector. Haselsteiner was often recognized for being the first digital board member of Strabag, advocating for the use of advanced technologies such as robotic assistance on construction sites to improve efficiency andensure sustainable practices.
Strabag, which operates across Europe and recently expanded its operations to Australia, reported revenues nearing 19 billion euros and employs about 86,000 people worldwide. The company had also adjusted its strategy to strengthen its market position, particularly after shifting its focus away from the Russian market due to geopolitical tensions.
His sudden passing has raised questions about the future direction of Strabag. Other board members will take on his responsibilities temporarily, grappling with the potential void left behind. Observers of the construction industry are left pondering how this change will affect Strabag's innovative initiatives already set forth by Haselsteiner, particularly those aiming to make the company more sustainable and technologically adept.
His commitment to the environment was underscored by projects focusing on green building technologies, including recycling efforts and integrating innovative materials like air-pollution-absorbing moss and pollutant-reducing asphalt.
Strabag’s aspirations during Haselsteiner's leadership included extensive research partnerships with startups to drive forward-thinking solutions and capitalize on the latest advancements. These initiatives indicated not only Strabag's commitment to growth but also Haselsteiner's dedication to positioning the company as a leader in the future of construction.
While the circumstances surrounding Klemens Haselsteiner's death remain unclear, his loss is undeniably felt across the industry, prompting reflections on his legacy and the direction of Strabag without his visionary leadership. With three children to carry on his legacy, Klemens Haselsteiner’s impact on the construction industry and the firm he led will surely leave lasting impressions for years to come.