Robert Holzmann Keynote Speaker

Dr Robert Holzmann is a leading Austrian economist whose career bridges monetary policy, pensions and social protection. As Governor of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (2019–2025), he sat on the European Central Bank’s Governing Council and represented Austria across key international fora, bringing a clear, data-driven voice to European policymaking. His term concluded on August 31, 2025, after which Austria appointed Martin Kocher as governor.

From 1997 to 2011, Holzmann shaped the World Bank’s approach to labor, pensions and social protection, helping governments design resilient systems that balance growth with security. He co-developed the Social Risk Management framework, now widely cited in welfare and labor policy. These insights underpin his pragmatic guidance to leaders navigating demographic change and fiscal sustainability.

An academic by training, Holzmann is an elected Fellow of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, with a prolific record that includes 30+ books and numerous articles on pensions, NDC schemes and portability of benefits. His recent work includes “Health and long-term care insurance wealth in Austria” (OeNB Working Paper, 2025), underscoring his ongoing focus on ageing, health and retirement systems. He holds honorary professorships and research affiliations spanning Europe and Asia, reflecting an international outlook and research network.

On stage, Holzmann offers clear-sighted analysis of inflation dynamics, interest-rate strategy and the economics of longevity—translating complex evidence into actionable insight for boards, policymakers and investors. Recent keynotes include the OeNB–SUERF Economics Conference in Vienna (June 2024; May 2025), and a 2025 lecture in Montenegro on EU economic convergence. He equips audiences to stress-test assumptions and plan for long-term resilience.