Mastermind Public Affairs Consulting
Navigating Complexity. Shaping Outcomes.
At MASTERMIND, we turn political complexity into opportunity. As one of Austria’s leading public affairs consultancies located in Vienna, we’ve been helping clients protect, and grow their business within the political system since 2011. We combine political intelligence, hands-on advocacy and strategic communication to deliver real results — from initial policy developments to parliamentary decisions.
Who We Are
Independent. Insightful. Impact-Driven.
MASTERMIND is a dynamic, owner-managed, and politically independent powerhouse that excels in providing strategic guidance and solutions across a wide range of disciplines. With a highly skilled team of public affairs experts, strategists, and analysts, we are uniquely equipped to navigate the complexities of Austria’s political landscape. Our deep-rooted expertise, comprehensive knowledge, and unwavering commitment to delivering results have established us as the trusted partner for clients seeking clarity, access, and credibility in their endeavors. Whether addressing intricate political challenges, fostering meaningful connections, or building reputational strength, Mastermind stands as a beacon of reliability and excellence in the field.
We don’t just interpret politics — we make it work for you..
What We Do
Integrated Public Affairs & Strategic Communication
We design and implement tailor-made strategies that move the needle:
- Public Affairs & Lobbying
- Political Analysis & Monitoring
- Narrative Development
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Public Policy Campaigns
- High-Level Events & Advocacy Platforms
To strengthen our clients’ positions, we work hand in hand with pollsters, legal experts and economists. As politics and media converge, we’ve expanded our expertise into strategic media relations and digital advocacy.
Why Clients Trust Us
Mutual Success. Built on Trust.
Our success is based on a simple principle: exceptional experience, absolute integrity, and genuine partnership. We operate with speed, discretion, and precision — without unnecessary agency bureaucracy.
MASTERMIND is embedded in international networks, yet remains fully independent of any political party and does not work for clients from the political sphere. Our clients count on us to protect their investments, shape policy debates, and drive meaningful impact.
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Who We Work With
Global Reach. Local Expertise.
We advise Fortune 100 companies, Global brands, Industry associations as well as Austrian companies. Our work spans key policy fields: Health Economy, FMCG, Digital & Disruptive Economy, Tourism, Circular Economy, Energy, Food & Beverages, Logistics, Finance, Economy
Whether you want to anticipate policy shifts, strengthen your advocacy strategy, or protect your business from political risk — Mastermind makes politics work for you.
Why MASTERMIND?
Because no other consulting firm understands Austria's political architecture better.
We are particularly active in the following policy areas:
Health Economy • FMCG • Digital & Disruptive Economy • Tourism • Circurlar Economy • Food & Beverages • Energy • Logistics • Finance • Economy
Would you like to find out more?
Then feel free to send us an email:
Get your outlook on the political year 2026 now
With statements from: Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Monika Köppl-Turyna, Ralf Rangnick, Peter Hajek, Christoph Neumayer, Nikolaus Forgo, Yannick Shetty, Barbara Teiber, Barbara Kolm, Christian Helmenstein
Who we are - what we do
Our task is to articulate, assert and protect the legitimate interests of our clients vis-à-vis political decision-makers and all relevant stakeholders.
We act directly on behalf of our clients and are focused on preventing negative consequences and/or bringing about positive effects of political processes on the profitability and economic viability of our clients. As a profit-oriented company, it goes without saying that we comply with the applicable legal provisions as well as the general ethical and moral values of the society in which we operate.
We are committed to the code of honor of ÖPAV and de|ge|pol.
Who we are - what we do
Our task is to articulate, assert and protect the legitimate interests of our clients vis-à-vis political decision-makers and all relevant stakeholders.
We act directly on behalf of our clients and are focused on preventing negative consequences and/or bringing about positive effects of political processes on the profitability and economic viability of our clients. As a profit-oriented company, it goes without saying that we comply with the applicable legal provisions as well as the general ethical and moral values of the society in which we operate.
We are committed to the code of honor of ÖPAV and de|ge|pol.
The Mastermind-Team
People with experience
Management
Peter Köppl, Christina Fehrmann
Owner
Peter Köppl, Christina Fehrmann, Martin Stradal-Angelo,
Bernhard Zink-Spiel, Nicolas Stella
Registration for the
MASTERMIND MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Mastermind Monthly brings you the key developments, stakeholder moves, and timeframes. Concise, to the point, and actionable. For CEOs, associations, and public affairs leaders who don’t just react—they take the lead.
THE Mastermind-BLOG
Can AI Convince Political Decision-Makers? What New Studies Mean for Public Affairs
When people talk about AI and political communication, the conversation usually centers on speed:...
Blogs in public affairs: Political influence begins long before the face-to-face conversation
A public affairs blog cannot replace political discussions. However, it can play a crucial role in...
The New ‘But’: Why infrastructure projects divide opinion – and what public affairs must learn from this
The boom in artificial intelligence is turning data centres into strategic infrastructure. At the...
The coalition’s track record: What the ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS have achieved so far – and what is still being blocked
A year and a half after taking office, the federal government – comprising the ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS –...
MASTERMIND Memberships
We are a member of the following important organizations and institutions:
We support companies and associations in articulating and asserting their legitimate interests
Our clients include global corporations, domestic SMEs, sector and professional associations. We work in all sectors and policy areas. Mastermind has a broad network of proven experts from a wide range of disciplines.
MASTERMIND Publications
Nicht anzeigen
Publications from Peter Köppl
Köppl, Peter:
Re-shaping Public Affairs: technische Innovationen, politische Veränderung und internationale Vergemeinschaftung transformieren Erscheinung und Wirkung professioneller Public Affairs in: Political Science Applied, Zeitschrift für angewandte Politikwissenschaft, Sonderheft Mai 2018 „Interessenvertretung und Lobbyismus“, S. 36
Köppl, Peter:
Advanced Power Lobbying. Erfolgreiche Public Affairs in Zeiten der Digitalisierung. Linde Verlag 2017
Köppl, Peter:
Austria: Bitoni, Alberto | Harris, Phil. Lobbying in Europe. Public Affairs and the Lobbying Industry in 28 EU Countries. S. 45-58. Palgrave macmillan 2017
Köppl, Peter:
The state of public affairs in Austria: Journal of public Affairs, Vl. 14, S., 31-43, Wiley Online Library, 2014
Köppl, Peter | Wippersberg, Julia:
Public Affairs in Österreich. Berufsfeld und Berufsbild, Facultas Verlags- und Buchhandels AG, Wien 2014
Lansky, Gabriel | Egger, Alexander | Köppl, Peter:
Lobbying und Recht mit einem Kurzkommentar zum Lobby-Gesetz, LexisNexis, Wien 2013
Köppl, Peter / Engert, Peter (Hrsg.):
Corporate Social Responsibility & Nachhaltigkeit. Vom Idealismus zur betrieblichen Realität, Linde-Verlag, Wien 2012
Köppl, Peter:
Of historical burdens, misperceptions and recent scandals: Austria’s bumpy journey towards professional public affairs Editors: Grant Jordan, Burdett Loomis (Hrsg.): Interest Groups & Advocacy, Macmillian Publishers Ltd. 2012 ( Seite 67 ff)
Köppl, Peter:
Lobbying in Österreich, Information als Währung: Feri Thierry (Hg.): Politikberatung in Österreich, Herausforderungen – Strategien – Perspektiven, Braumüller 2011 (Seite 209 ff)
Köppl, Peter:
Lobbying und Public Affairs: Meckel, Miriam / Schmid, Beat (Hrsg.): Unternehmenskommunikation. Kommunikationsmanagement aus Sicht der Unternehmensführung, Gabler, Wiesbaden 2006 (Seite 187 ff)
Köppl, Peter / Neureiter, Martin (2004):
Corporate Social Responsibility. Leitlinien und Konzepte im Management der gesellschaftlichen Verantwortung von Unternehmen. Linde international, Wien
Köppl, Peter (2001):
Die Macht der Argumente. Lobbying als strategisches Interessenmanagement: Althaus, Marco (Hg.): Kampagne! Neue Strategien für Wahlkampf, PR und Lobbying. Lit-Verlag, Münster
Köppl, Peter:
„Lobbying als Beruf“: Busch-Janser, Florian / Gerding, Sandra / Voigt, Mario (Hg). Politikberatung als Beruf. Poli-c-books, Berlin / München 2005
Köppl, Peter (div. Beiträge in):
„Handlexikon Public Affairs.“ (Hg.) Althaus, Marco / Geffken, Michael / Rawe, Sven. DIPA Reihe Public Affairs und Politikmanagement 1. LiT Verlag, Münster 2005
Köppl, Peter:
„Lobbying auf Rezept“, Gastkommentar in: PharmaAustria 01 (Juni) 2004
Köppl, Peter:
„Seit wann darf Segway auf den Gehsteig?“, Gastkommentar in A3BOOM, Mai 2004
Köppl, Peter:
„Power Lobbying: Das Praxishandbuch der Public Affairs. Wie professionelles Lobbying die Unternehmenserfolge absichert und steigert.“ Linde international, 2003
Köppl, Peter:
„Public Affairs State-of-the-Art: Das Ende des amateurhaften Lobbyings”: www.poli-c.de, 03. November 2003
Köppl, Peter:
„Gesellschaftliche Verantwortung – ein Trend, oder nur trendy?“, (gem. mit Neureiter, Martin): LEADER Magazin Österreich, 1/03, Seite 32
Köppl, Peter:
„Kein Platz für Amateure“: „politik & kommunikation“, Feb./März 2003, Seite 28
Köppl, Peter:
„Die Wiener War Rooms“: „politik & kommunikation“, Dez./Jan. 2002/03, Seite 46
Köppl, Peter:
„Trommeln fürs Business. Public Affairs Management für Unternehmen und Verbände.“ (gem. mit Kovar, Andreas) Und: „Die Macht der Argumente. Lobbying als strategisches Interessenmanagement.“ : Althaus, Marco (Hg.): Kampagne! Neue Strategien für Wahlkampf, PR und Lobbying. Lit-Verlag, Münster 2001
Köppl, Peter:
The acceptance, relevance and dominance of lobbying in the EU Commission – A first-time survey of the EU Commission’s civil servants. Journal of Public Affairs, Volume One, Number One, Henry Stewart Publications, January 2001
Köppl, Peter:
Public Affairs Management. Strategien und Taktiken erfolgreicher Unternehmenskommunikation. Linde-Verlag, Wien 2000
Köppl, Peter / Laird, Nick L.:
Public Affairs in Zeiten der Globalisierung – Wettbewerbsvorteile durch „Weltbeste“ Kommunikation: Public Relations Forum für Wissenschaft und Praxis, 5. Jahrgang, Nr.3, Nürnberg 1999
Köppl, Peter:
Lobbying – Das politische Instrument der Public Relations?: Public Relations Forum für Wissenschaft und Praxis, 5. Jahrgang, Nr.1, Nürnberg 1999
Köppl, Peter:
Contract Lobbying – Beeinflussung als Dienstleistung: Scheff, Josef / Gutschelhofer, Alfred (Hrsg.): Lobby Management, Linde Verlag, Wien 1998
Köppl, Peter:
Lobbying als strategisches Interessenmanagement: Scheff, Josef / Gutschelhofer, Alfred (Hrsg.): Lobby Management, Linde Verlag, Wien 1998
Köppl, Peter:
Pflichtfach Lobbying – Ein Kursbuch in Serie für Wirtschaftstreibende, die ihre Erfolge noch steigern wollen. 10-tlg. Serie in „Die Wirtschaft“, Wien 1996
Köppl, Peter / Scheucher, Christian:
Herausforderung Lobbying – Interessen als unternehmerischer Mehrwert. Management Club, Wien 1994
Köppl, Peter:
Akzeptanz, Relevanz und Dominanz von Lobbyismus in der transnationalen politischen Entscheidungsfindung der Europäischen Union. Die funktionale Notwendigkeit der Integration von Lobbyismus im Rahmen informaler politischer Kommunikation als Beitrag zur politischen Entscheidungsfindung. Unveröffentlichte Dissertation, Universität Wien, 1996
Köppl, Peter:
Lobbyismus in Österreich: Das verschwiegene Instrument der Public Relations? Dargestellt am Beispiel der Entstehung der österreichischen Wasserrechtsgesetz-Novelle 1990. Unveröffentlichte Diplomarbeit, Universität Wien, 1991
General Election Austria analysis
The super election year 2024 is entering the final round and we are providing a detailed analysis of the National Council election held on September 29 from a public affairs perspective.
The EU Election Analysis Austria
The super election year 2024 is gaining momentum. Therefore, we are starting our series of detailed analyses with the election of the European Parliament in Austria, which took place on June 9th, from a Public Affairs perspective.
CONTACT US
Right in the heart of Vienna
Our office is centrally located at the intersection of Mariahilfer Straße and Neubaugasse. Easy to reach with the Vienna subway line U3, Neubaugasse stop, approx. 150m in the direction of Westbahnhof.
MASTERMIND Public Affairs Consulting GmbH
Neubaugasse 1 | A | 12-15
1070 Wien | Vienna - Austria
Phone: +43 1 355 20 96
Email: office@mastermind.cc
