HBC Holding is restructuring the management of its Austrian subsidiary. With Michael Patocka appointed as CEO and Gerald Schwentner as Co-CEO, two proven industry experts and experienced leaders are assuming operational responsibility in one of the group's most strategically important markets.
They succeed Gert Schlossmacher, who initiated HBC’s market entry in Austria and was instrumental in driving the development of the business over the preceding years. Under his stewardship, the Austrian operation has evolved into an established, high-growth market within the HBC Group. By transitioning operational responsibility, HBC is executing the next decisive phase of its growth strategy. Michael Patocka and Gerald Schwentner are tasked with sustaining this successful trajectory while driving new initiatives for further expansion. In his capacity as CEO of the German holding company, Mr. Schlossmacher will maintain a close association with the Austrian subsidiary and continue to actively support the strategic advancement of its operations. This new leadership structure effectively bridges strategic continuity with enhanced operational vigor, establishing an optimal foundation for the next stage of HBC’s growth in Austria.
Austria represents a key growth market for us. By appointing Michael Patocka and Gerald Schwentner, we are deliberately entrusting this responsibility to two entrepreneurial leaders with extensive operational expertise. This new structure establishes clear lines of accountability, providing a robust foundation for continuous growth in Austria while further strengthening the integration of our business units within the Group.
Gert Schlossmacher, CEO HBC Group
Michael Patocka stated: "I look forward to actively shaping the development of HBC in Austria together with Gerald Schwentner. We bring extensive entrepreneurial experience, profound market insight, and a shared vision for sustainable growth. Our objective is to more closely align the strengths of our companies and to consistently further expand the HBC Group’s market position in Austria."
The new leadership duo - Michael Patocka, Managing Director of IRM-Versicherungsmakler & Beratungs GmbH, and Gerald Schwentner, Managing Director of UMBERIO GmbH - combines entrepreneurial expertise, profound market competence, and an extensive network within the Austrian insurance sector. Through their respective firms, IRM (part of the HBC Group since March 2026) and UMBERIO (part of the HBC Group since October 2025), they represent two central pillars of growth for the Austrian business. Together, they establish the optimal framework to sustain the successful development achieved in recent years and to actively spearhead the next phase of HBC’s growth in Austria.
