ABB has appointed Slavko Planinic as managing director and head of industrial automation for Australia.

He succeeds Tauno Heinola who is retiring.

Mr Planinic has more than 30 years’ experience at ABB, serving most recently as ABB Australia’s Chief Financial Officer.

In a statement today, ABB said Mr Planinic brings a deep understanding of the market and the challenges facing ABB’s key industries.

“His oversight and involvement in key market segments and account management programs will see ABB well positioned to seize growth opportunities as companies look to improve their productivity and competitiveness through automation and digitalisation.”

Mr Planinic says industrial digitalisation and automation is a tremendous opportunity for businesses in Australia to raise their competitiveness globally and play a key role in Australia’s future.

Reducing environment impact

“For government, digitalisation offers innovative solutions for sustainable transport, infrastructure and energy challenges, he said.

“As a technology leader, ABB is working closely with customers and industry to not only drive productivity but do so in a way that reduces environmental impact.”

Mr Planinic has served as a Director of ABB companies in Australia for many years and held finance leadership roles in Europe and across South Asia throughout his career with ABB.

He holds a Bachelor of Business Degree from the University of Technology Sydney and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management.

The new appointment is effective immediately and Mr Planinic will be based in Sydney.