For almost two decades, Oliver Pilloni has shaped the image of the EC-KAC like no other. With a short interruption (2012-2014), the Carinthian native has been managing director of the record champions for 17 years, during which time he has won three championship titles and led the club through economically and sportingly challenging phases. On his 60th birthday, the KAC boss spoke to the Kronen Zeitung about health, his demanding job, personal setbacks and what is important to him off the ice.
“I’m available 24/7”
Pilloni celebrates his big birthday with a clear wish: health for himself and his family. This wasn’t a given recently – a slipped disc put him out of action last year. “When we were renovating our hall, I was sometimes active until two in the morning. That had an impact,” says Pilloni in an interview with “Crown newspaper“He’s doing well again now.
His job at KAC is anything but a classic 40-hour position: “I’m constantly available, also because of the time difference to North America. When agents call, you have to be ready.” In addition to organizational tasks, Pilloni also regularly seeks direct communication with the coaching staff and players – a commitment that takes its toll. “The time commitment is certainly one reason why my 14-year relationship recently broke up.”
Looking into the future: responsibility on several shoulders
Ending his career is currently not an issue for Pilloni. “As long as the club is happy with my work and I am needed, I would like to continue.” At the same time, a potential successor, Alex Mellitzer, is already being set up: “It’s nice when everything no longer depends on one person. The responsibility is now spread across several shoulders.”
Between master dreams and youth work
In terms of sport, the goal remains clear: the championship title. But Pilloni emphasizes that the integration of young players is also a criterion for success. “You can also have a good season if we have built in talent. But you can only be completely satisfied if you are a champion.”
The club is also financially stable – after a few years of austerity, the KAC is, according to Pilloni, “in a good position in the table” both in terms of sport and economy. Nevertheless, the search for sponsors remains a constant issue: “We are in the top midfield in terms of budget, but of course a main sponsor would be an important step forward.”
The biggest success: The Corona title 2021
When asked about his best moment as KAC manager, Pilloni doesn’t have to think twice: “The title in the 2020/21 Corona season was something special. We played with only two Legionnaires, nobody knew how long the championship would last. Nevertheless, we beat Salzburg and Bozen 4-1 each. The boys were a unit – that was extraordinary.”
Private person & hobby griller
Away from the hustle and bustle of ice hockey, Pilloni enjoys spending time with friends. He particularly enjoys helping out at a friend’s winery: “Six hours without a cell phone, bottling and labeling – that’s pure relaxation for me.”
His favorite hobby: grilling. “I really enjoy grilling – I’ll probably do it 150 times in 2025, sometimes even during my lunch break,” he says with a smile. He had to give up golf, once a passion, because of his back problems.
From footballer to ice hockey player
Less known: Pilloni was once a promising footballer. He played in the performance center, including together with WAC President Dietmar Riegler. “He was at St. Andrä, I was at Austria Klagenfurt – there were always big duels there.” At 19, he finally switched to ice hockey: “It’s the more honest sport, without acting.” Today he still follows the Premier League, “because someone only stays there if they really have something.”
There is no big birthday party planned for the KAC managing director: “I’m not the type for that,” says Pilloni. Instead, he spends the day in a relaxed atmosphere – including with his long-time friend Gary Venner, who is currently visiting Klagenfurt.
Image: PULS 24/Moni Fellner
