Change in the EFA Management
The European Forum Alpbach has undergone an intensive transformation process over the past four years, the success of which was impressively evident at this year’s EFA25. With preparations for EFA26 now underway, a change in the management is imminent.
Under the leadership of Secretary General and Managing Director Feri Thierry, decisive steps were taken from 2021 onwards: the strategic reorientation of the Forum, the further development of the flagship event in August towards even greater internationality and diversity, the establishment of year-round activities, the strengthening of societal impact, as well as the restructuring of the organisational team.
Despite economically challenging conditions, impressive goals have been achieved in recent years. Particularly noteworthy are the growing number of participants, the deepened cooperation with existing and new partner organisations, as well as the establishment of collaborations with internationally active foundations.
Following the first Forum under the new board team, further changes are now ahead, building on the successful transformation of recent years. For Feri Thierry, this is a good moment to take stock and turn to new tasks, as he himself explains:
“It has been an honour and a joy to further develop the European Forum Alpbach together with our team, our partners and supporters, and to contribute to the future of Europe. It was important to both Othmar Karas and myself to enable a smooth transition together. For me, the time has now come to take on new tasks. I thank the members of the EFA board, who appointed me and entrusted me with this wonderful responsibility. I thank all partner organisations and the people in our advisory bodies, who supported us in fulfilling our purpose. And above all, I thank our outstanding team, which has managed this huge project with great commitment and high professionalism. I am grateful for the trust, the collaboration, and the many enriching encounters during this time.”
EFA President Othmar Karas: “I sincerely thank Feri Thierry for his work, his foresight and his commitment in recent years. He has professionalised and further developed the Forum, thereby strengthening it for the future. I wish him all the very best for the road ahead.”
Until November 2025, Thierry will continue in his role in order to ensure an orderly handover. The future appointment of the management will be decided by the board of the European Forum Alpbach at the beginning of October.