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Judith Grohmann was born in Vienna into a family with a rich intellectual and cultural background. Her father was a renowned international clinical psychologist, and her mother hailed from a dynasty of leather manufacturers. Raised trilingual, she graduated from the Lycée Français de Vienne and later completed her studies in Journalism, Political Science, and Japanese Studies at the University of Vienna in record time.
Writing has always been her passion and life’s work. At just 11 years old, she launched a student newspaper. In spring 1985, she approached the publisher and editor-in-chief of profil, Austria’s leading investigative news magazine, expressing her ambition to become a journalist. She was given the opportunity to complete a summer internship later that year, and by the end of it, the editor-in-chief offered her the role of Schlussredakteurin (final editor), a position that had previously been carried out by him and a select group of senior journalists. In this role, she worked freelance every Friday at the newspaper Kurier printing center, overseeing the magazine’s final revision and approval process. Her position was not officially declared in the imprint of the magazine, but in practice, she was responsible for ensuring profil went to print read, corrected, edited and updated each week. In the mid-1990s, profil officially introduced the role of Chef vom Dienst (Chief of Staff), a title that later formalized the position she had already held years earlier.
Alfred Worm, one of Austria’s top investigative journalists of that time, became her most important mentor from the start of her internship. He immediately entrusted her with writing an investigative story titled „Heeres-Taxi nach Hohenems – was die Mitglieder der Bundesregierung mit den Steuergeldern machen“ ( (»Army taxi to Hohenems – what the members of the federal government do with taxpayers‘ money«, July 8th, 1985), marking the beginning of her journalistic career at the age of 18 as one of the youngest journalists in Austria at the time. Alfred Worm remained Judith’s mentor until his passing in February 2007, guiding her through her early career and providing invaluable insights throughout her journey.
In 1995, she transitioned from the world of magazines to the daily press, joining the conservative newspaper Die Presse as a columnist, editor, and deputy head of the supplements section. In 2002, she moved to the liberal Der Standard as a business journalist and later as deputy head of the careers section. Since 2003, she has worked regularly as a freelance correspondent for the Bavarian newspaper Münchner Merkur, covering Austrian affairs.
Judith’s interest has always been drawn to the strategies, visions, and activities of human beings, particularly how they shape society. Her work evolves as she explores new themes – whether it’s the complexities of politics, the dynamics of the economy, or the nuances of art and culture. Over the years, she has gained firsthand insights by working in business, politics, and lobbying, enriching her journalistic perspective. This ever-changing focus reflects her deep curiosity about how different forces interact in the human experience.
Judith has contributed to several renowned European media outlets, including the Agence France Presse, Le Monde Diplomatique, and the Swiss business magazine Bilanz, along with a variety of architecture, industry, and business publications, as well as multiple daily newspapers. Though based in Vienna, she is frequently spotted in Paris, London, and the South of France.
Her earlier books include Das Ösi-Phänomen, Ora & Labora (with the Abbot of Heiligenkreuz), Mythos Pilot (a deep dive into aviation culture), and the internationally recognized In Geheimer Mission. This book investigates special anti-terror operations across the globe, offering readers a rare, first-hand account of the elite units who risk everything to ensure public safety. It has been presented internationally, including in June 2016 at the European Parliament in Brussels, where Judith participated in a high-profile panel discussion alongside figures such as Roland Pacolet, Commander of the Belgian Counter-Terrorism Unit (DSU), and Rainer Winter, the Military Commissioner for Austria’s NATO mission. Judith’s reporting from these units has earned her widespread acclaim for its depth and unique perspective.
The book is dedicated to American actor Kevin Spacey, whose portrayal of negotiator Chris Sabian in his film The Negotiator (1998) sparked Judith’s deep interest in the world of security and anti-terror operations.
Judith’s first book, Das Ösi-Phänomen, was a tremendous success, attracting 500 guests at the book presentation and gaining significant media attention. The topic, „Is Austria the Better Germany?“, which compares the economies and politics of both countries, sparked numerous TV interviews and articles in Austria and Germany.
In the autumn of 2019, Judith Grohmann published the official biography of Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, released by the Finanzbuch Verlag / Munich Publishing Group / Bonnier Media Germany GmbH. In this authorized biography, Judith delves deep into Kurz’s rise to power, exploring his political career, attitudes toward the FPÖ (Freedom Party of Austria), and his influence within the EU and global politics. Drawing on exclusive interviews with over 40 key figures from politics, his family, the economy, and journalism, the biography provides a comprehensive and nuanced look at the man behind the headlines. Through these insights, Grohmann sheds light on the multifaceted figure of Kurz, offering a detailed portrait of his impact on Austrian and international politics.
In addition to the biography, Judith Grohmann also collaborated with Croatian director Jakov Sedlar on the documentary film Sebastian Kurz – The Truth, which was released in the fall of 2023 via streaming on Vimeo. This film offers a visual exploration of Kurz’s journey and political career, complementing the insights presented in the book.
She has also recently written two new books:
- Re-Invent Your Company – The Secret of European Entrepreneurs and Their Way to International Success, which explores the stories of successful entrepreneurs who have built global businesses.
- The Real Mozart – The Original King of Pop, a captivating and innovative biography of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, published by her beloved British publisher, Pen & Sword.
Between 2015 and 2019, Judith was a lecturer at the Department for Business Law and European Integration of the Danube University Krems, where she shared her expertise with students. Details below:
www.donau-uni.ac.at/de/studium/international-relations.html
http://www.donau-uni.ac.at/de/universitaet/whois/21998/index.php (link valid till 2019)
In June 2020, she published the report Cybercrime in Austria, methods and Strategies on Fighting Online Crime in the Journal of Intelligence and Cyber Security (Academicapress, Washington DC, 2020).
Her newest book, The Real Alma Mahler, was recently published. It offers a vivid and insightful portrait of Alma Mahler’s life, art, and influence. It will be released in the United States and other countries around the globe in spring 2026. Stay tuned for more information!
Judith is also a proud member of the British PEN CLUB, the two biggest Austrian writers associations:
http://www.literaturhaus.at/index.php?id=3502&L=0%252Fadmin%252Ffile_manager.php%252Findex.php%2C
JUDITH GROHMANN 
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