New Leadership Team
Nikola Donig and Barbara Zimmermann appointed as Secretary General and Managing Director.
The Board of the European Forum Alpbach (EFA) has restructured the future management of the organisation in its most recent meeting. Starting 1 November 2025, Nikola Donig (Secretary General and Managing Director) and Barbara Zimmermann (Managing Director) will assume leadership of the Forum.
- Nikola Donig will be responsible for the areas of programmes, communications, and communities. Donig brings many years of experience in politics, business, civil society, and communications, including roles as Secretary General of NEOS, Communications Director of Four Paws International, and as a journalist in Brussels. Most recently, he led the strategic communication and planning unit at NEOS.
- Barbara Zimmermann is part of the EFA management team and current Head of Partnerships. Zimmermann will oversee the areas of partnerships, experience, finance & HR, as well as digital & data. Her expertise lies in team and process management, financial control, and building strong partnerships within the EFA.
“With Nikola Donig and Barbara Zimmermann, the European Forum Alpbach gains a management team that will continue the path of recent years while adding new impulses. Their combination of excellence in content and communication, along with a deep understanding of our partners’ and stakeholders’ concerns, convinced both the board and myself.” explains EFA President Othmar Karas.
Nikola Donig: “Europe and the EFA are never complete. Both grow with every challenge, every vision, and through collaboration across borders, generations, and disciplines. It is a unique responsibility to contribute to tangible outcomes along this path.”
Barbara Zimmermann: “The European Forum Alpbach thrives on its partners and the unique community that has brought people from all over the world together for decades. I look forward to deepening these connections and exploring innovative paths together – with a strong team that combines experience, openness, and creativity.”
With this new management team, the EFA enters the next phase of its development – supported by a strong international community and building on the successful transformation of recent years.