GE executive to lead ABB

Zurich, Switzerland –  ABB Group has appointed Joseph Hogan to fill the chief executive officer position left vacant by Fred Kindle's surprise departure in February over "irreconcilable differences about how to lead the company." Hogan, who  is currently CEO of GE Healthcare and a member of GE''s senior executive council, will join ABB on 1 Sept.

Hogan's 23-year career at GE, includes leading GE Medical Systems and then GE Healthcare -a medical diagnostic technology and biosciences company - from November 2000, during which time he helped to grow the business by $11 billion. Prior to this, he served as president and CEO of GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc., a global supplier of industrial controls systems and a joint venture between GE and FANUC of Japan. Previously, he held a number of key positions in sales, marketing and product development at GE Plastics.

“Following our extensive search over the past months, the board of drectors is very pleased with Joseph’s decision to take on this exciting role. His proven international track record as a highly successful leader at one of the world’s most respected technology companies will be a great contribution to the company as we continue to focus the organization on excellence in everything we do,” said Hubertus von Gruenberg, ABB’s chairman.

Meanwhile, Michel Demaré, ABB’s chief financial officer, who has held the CEO position on an ad-interim basis since February 13, 2008, will continue to serve as ABB’s CFO, added an ABB statement. “The bard and I would also like to thank Michel Demaré for his many contributions to ABB in this transitional period. We are very pleased with the direction of the company under Demaré’s guidance,” von Gruenberg said.