German giant Siemens appoints new UAE chief

Siemens, the global major in electronics and electrical engineering, has appointed a new CEO for the UAE.

Kay Zwingenberger said he will continue to drive Siemens' growth strategy, expand the company's local footprint and push ahead with research initiatives as well as technology and knowledge transfer.

Zwingenberger first joined Siemens in 1992 and has worked throughout Europe, the company said in a statement.

"In the UAE, which is home to Siemens' Middle East headquarters since 1999, Zwingenberger will continue to build on the company's global strategy of innovation, knowledge transfer and investment in emerging markets," the statement added.

Siemens, which first opened a representative office in the UAE in 1972, presently employs about 2,000 people in the country and continues to grow its workforce.

"Today, the UAE is a key market for Siemens, which has maintained a continuous presence in the Middle East region for over 150 years," the statement said.

Zwingenberger said: "The UAE is a thriving, rapidly-developing nation and Siemens is committed to strengthening further its engagement in realising the country's ongoing economic diversification, creating job opportunities for young Emiratis, and supporting the transfer of know-how and technology."

Erich Kaeser, CEO of Siemens Middle East, added: "Kay Zwingenberger brings with him two decades of experience of working with Siemens and has a proven track record of growing the company's business.

"We look forward to continuing the 40-year success story of Siemens in the UAE as a trusted long-term partner and employer, and a responsible corporate citizen."