Josef Pfabigan

Josef Pfabigan is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer at FOUR PAWS International.

Born in Lower Austria, he is responsible for the strategic direction, leadership and development of the global organisation to ensure the protection of animals under direct human influence. In addition, he is directly responsible for the departments for rescue operations in crisis and conflict areas as well as for FOUR PAWS' finances. As a founding member, Josef Pfabigan is one of the long-time companions and closest confidants of FOUR PAWS founder Heli Dungler, who passed away in 2020, with whom he shared not only his commitment to animal welfare, but also his love of music. In addition to music lessons, cultural management, several semesters at university, and various marketing, sales and administrative activities, he has been a member of the FOUR PAWS board since its founding year in 1988. Initially on a voluntary basis, he supported the young organisation full-time as project and campaign manager from 1997. During the subsequent growth phase, Josef Pfabigan was instrumental in the founding of FOUR PAWS International in 2003. From 2006 to 2020, he was responsible for the economic management of the entire organisation as Chief Financial Officer. In January 2020, following the unexpected death of Heli Dungler, he was appointed Chairman of the Board and CEO of FOUR PAWS. In addition, Josef Pfabigan is also Chairman and Board Member of all FOUR PAWS organisations.