Björn Rosengren, the CEO of Sandvik, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of ABB.

Rosengren joins ABB on February 1 next year and will take up the CEO role on March 1, replacing acting CEO, Peter Voser, who is also Chairman of the Board.

Mr Voser became interim CEO of ABB following Ulrich Spiesshofer’s shock departure earlier this year after six years in the role.

Mr Rosengren, 60, a Swedish citizen, is a highly experienced, international executive and leader of industrial businesses.

He has been the CEO of Sandvik, a high-tech global engineering group, since 2015. During this time, he has overseen the successful implementation of a decentralized structure and improved both the profitability and financial strength of Sandvik.

He is a former CEO of Wärtsilä Corporation (2011-2015), which manufactures and services power sources and other equipment for the marine and energy markets.

From 1998-2011 he held several management roles at Atlas Copco, a world leading provider of sustainable productivity solutions.

Proven track record

Mr Voser said Mr Rosengren brings with him a proven track record of value creation and the managerial skills ABB needs during the next stage of its transformation.

“After undertaking a thorough search, the Board is convinced that Björn Rosengren is the best candidate for the role,” he said.

“He understands how to establish successful decentralized 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.”

Mr Rosengren said he is honoured to join ABB after completing his current commitments.

Focus on robotics and automation

“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.”

Mr Spiesshofer stepped down as CEO following the sale of ABB’s power-grid division to Hitachi Ltd for about US$6.4 billion late last year.

The sell-off is part of ABB’s plan to focus more on robotics and automation. 

ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees. www.abb.com