Leo Wallner

Leo Wallner studied economics and business administration in Wien (Vienna), earning an MBA in 1958 and a doctorate in 1961. He later entered the business world, serving on the board of several major Austrian companies, and was an economic advisor to the Austrian Prime Minister from 1964-67. He was Director-General of Casinos Austria starting in 1967, resigning after 40 years in that position in 2007. Wallner became President of the Austrian Olympic Committee in 1990, and also served as Vice-President of the Austrian Sports Aid Foundation starting in 1981.

Wallner was made an IOC Member in 1998 and served into 2014, resigning under some controversy, and also resigning as President of the Austrian Olympic Committee. The controversy was related to some concern about financial transactions related to the committee’s attempt to host the 2014 Winter Olympics in Salzburg, a bid which it lost to Sochi, Russia. All charges against Wallner concerning the purported allegations were dropped by State Prosecutors in 2013.