📷 Ricardo-José Vybiral © Wilke
The board of directors of the creditors’ protection association has expressed its confidence in the digitalization expert for another five years.
Vienna, April 7, 2026 – Ricardo-José Vybiral, MBA, will remain CEO of the KSV1870 Group for another five years. The Executive Board and the Supervisory Board of KSV1870 Holding AG have decided to extend Vybiral’s term of office ahead of schedule. The bodies are thus prioritizing continuity and underscoring their confidence in the successful work of the management team. Vybiral has led KSV1870 since 2016, during which time the organization has undergone a comprehensive modernization. As a strong advocate for Austrian businesses, KSV1870 supports them with innovative products and services in the areas of risk management and creditor protection. Hannes Frech will continue to support him as a partner in the management team and as CFO of KSV1870 Holding AG.
The business administration graduate with a technical background has led Austria’s largest creditors’ protection association, with approximately 35,000 members, for ten years. Prior to joining KSV1870, he was Chief Executive Officer of one of the world’s most renowned CRM & Digital agencies, the Wunderman Group Germany and Austria. In addition to his role at KSV1870, Vybiral has also served as Vice President of the ÖAMTC (Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Touring Club) since last year.
“Ricardo-José Vybiral conceived and initiated the strategic realignment of the organization and its business areas. Under his leadership, KSV1870 has undergone a holistic transformation, based largely on the implementation of digitalization projects and innovations. We look back on successful years and are pleased to continue consistently on this shared path,” explains Mag. Dr. Roland Wernik, MBA, President of the Credit Protection Association of 1870.
Modernization and innovation for creditors
Key milestones of his tenure include the development of new business areas, the implementation of comprehensive digital processes and state-of-the-art services, and the realignment of the membership. Beyond the core business, Vybiral also advanced the association’s investment management. The creditors’ protection association is now the majority shareholder of KSV1870 Nimbusec GmbH, a cybersecurity company, and the sole owner of FINcredible GmbH, a provider of real-time bank account information. “I thank the board of the Credit Protection Association of 1870 for their trust and the excellent, constructive cooperation in the service of creditors’ protection in Austria,” said Vybiral.
Social responsibility
Under the leadership of Ricardo-José Vybiral, KSV1870 has successfully positioned itself as a top employer. In the annual ranking published by the business magazine trend., the creditors’ protection association has consistently ranked among the top employers for many years. Furthermore, KSV1870 is committed to the financial literacy of young people. Vybiral has established this as a strategic CSR priority and has progressively expanded its commitment. KSV1870 employees and managing directors are frequent speakers at educational institutions, providing information on debt prevention and managing money. In 2025 alone, approximately 40 school and university visits took place throughout Austria – from elementary school to the Vienna University of Economics and Business. At the latter, the second KSV1870 course on creditors’ protection and risk management was held in the summer semester of 2025. A collaboration with Teach For Austria completes these activities.
Source: ksv.at
