ABB names Björn Rosengren as new CEO

The board of international technology company ABB has unanimously appointed Björn Rosengren (pictured) as Chief Executive Officer. He will join ABB on 1 February 2020 and succeed current CEO Peter Voser on 1 March. At that time Voser will revert to his position at ABB solely as chairman of the board.

Rosengren, a Swedish citizen, is a highly experienced, international executive and leader of industrial businesses. He has been the CEO of global engineering group Sandvik since 2015, during which time he has overseen the implementation of a decentralised structure and is said to have improved both the profitability and financial strength of the company. He was previously CEO of Wärtsilä Corporation, which manufactures and services power sources and other equipment for the marine and energy markets (2011–2015), and spent some 13 years (1998–2011) in a variety of management roles at Atlas Copco, a provider of sustainable productivity solutions.

“The board is pleased that Björn Rosengren will be taking the lead at ABB, bringing with him a proven track record of value creation and exactly the managerial skills ABB needs during the next stage of its transformation,” Voser said. “After undertaking a thorough search, the board is convinced that Björn Rosengren is the best candidate for the role. He understands how to establish successful decentralised organisations, empower people and demonstrates the culture of cooperation and high performance. Together with our strong management team, he will drive ABB’s strategy and deliver long-term value to all our stakeholders.”

Rosengren said: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to join ABB, a truly global technology leader, after I have completed my current commitments. At such a pivotal time for manufacturing industries, ABB must continue to best serve the needs of global customers with a unique technology and digital solutions portfolio to help enhance their productivity. I look forward to working with my new colleagues around the globe to enhance value through the delivery of the group strategy and fully empowering our businesses and people.”