With the establishment of a supervisory board and the appointment of a new management team, the Dr. Richard Group is taking another significant step in the realignment of its corporate structure. The largest private bus company in German-speaking countries is thus responding to current developments in the industry and positioning itself more broadly and modernly for the coming years. The focus is clearly on the expansion of alternative drive systems and digitalization – two areas of increasing importance.
At the beginning of April 2025, a supervisory board was established within Dr. Richard Bus GmbH to assume advisory and support functions. This step is part of a comprehensive reorganization aimed at more effectively managing the various bus operations under the umbrella of a holding company. The composition of the new supervisory board reflects a balanced relationship between external experts, employee representatives, and the owner family.
Thomas Stiller, Chairman of the Group Works Council, and Siegfried Seltenhammer, Employee Works Council, represent the interests of the employees. The shareholder representatives are primarily represented by Dr. Ludwig Richard, majority shareholder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, and Dr. Karl L. Richard, Member of the Board of Management. The committee is complemented by Silvia Kaupa-Götzl, an experienced mobility expert from the ÖBB Group, and Dr. Martin Neuwirth, a lawyer specializing in transport and corporate law.
New management team sets course for modernization
Parallel to the establishment of the Supervisory Board, a new management team was also introduced, which will assume operational management of the Group. Following the retirement of Dr. Ludwig Richard from active management in May 2024, Lukas Hackl, Mag. Markus Sax, MBA, and Ulrike Schandl will now set the guidelines for the future.
Lukas Hackl brings many years of experience within the group itself. Having held various management positions since 2018, he is now responsible for key areas such as vehicle technology, workshops, and IT. Markus Sax, who joined the group in 2023, manages the commercial and human resources departments as CFO and also oversees the Salzburg public transport company and strategic minority investments.
New to the team is Ulrike Schandl, who, after seven years in management positions within the group, now serves as Managing Director. She succeeded Werner Gumprecht, who left the group of his own accord after 25 years. Schandl brings extensive experience in the transportation market and a background in engineering.
Strategic focus: Digitalization and alternative drives
The new management team has set clear priorities: digital technologies and alternative drive systems are at the heart of the corporate strategy. This development is not only a reaction to technological innovations in the industry, but also a response to changing customer needs and demands on public transport.
International developments show that there is increasing reliance on alternative drive systems, particularly in public transport. Companies such as Solaris and Mercedes-Benz have been focusing on low-emission bus models for years. Competitors in Germany and Austria are also driving fleet conversions to new drive technologies, with electric buses and hydrogen-powered vehicles increasingly gaining market share.
Dr. Richard aims to position himself as a pioneer in this area early on and is pursuing a consistent renewal of the vehicle fleet. The goal is to gradually adapt the fleet to new technological possibilities and further expand digital networking both in operations and in customer communication.
Strengthening corporate culture and exchange formats
The new corporate structure will also intensify internal communication. The Supervisory Board will not only advise the management but also act as a channel between management and employees. This is intended to further strengthen employees' identification with the company—a crucial factor in an industry that is increasingly competing for qualified personnel due to the shortage of skilled workers.
In addition, the group's new structures offer greater flexibility and faster decision-making processes. This is particularly important in a dynamic market environment where customer requirements and technological innovations are dictating ever shorter innovation cycles.
Looking back on an eventful history
The Dr. Richard Group looks back on more than 90 years of history. Founded in 1929, the company has continuously developed and achieved a significant position, particularly in scheduled and long-distance transport. With currently 15 locations, around 1.100 buses, and over 1.900 employees, the group achieved sales of approximately €2024 million in 230.
The annual mileage of approximately 53,9 million kilometers underscores the Dr. Richard Group's significant role in public passenger transport in German-speaking countries. Despite all the challenges of recent years—especially the pandemic-related slump in travel—the company has successfully maintained its position.
Outlook: Future in motion
With the restructuring now complete and a new, experienced management team in place, the Dr. Richard Group is facing the challenges of the coming decades. Digitalization and new drive technologies offer significant opportunities for further development and strengthening the company's market position.
Overall, it is clear that with its realignment, the Dr. Richard Group is not only responding to current market challenges, but is also pursuing a proactive strategy to continue playing a leading role in the changing environment of public transport. The course has been set for a successful future – now it's time to consistently implement these ambitious plans.
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