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Siemens Gears Up for Leadership Transition by 2027

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 18:01 GMT by reuters.com
      Locale: Bavaria, GERMANY

BERLIN, February 5th, 2026 - German industrial behemoth Siemens is actively preparing for a significant leadership transition, with its supervisory board committed to naming a new Chairman no later than 2027. The announcement, initially made in 2023 following the planned departure of long-serving CEO Joe Kaeser, signals a period of careful deliberation as the company charts its course in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Kaeser, who initially assumed the CEO role in 2013 before adding the Chairman title, oversaw a period of considerable restructuring and strategic shifts for Siemens. His legacy is marked by efforts to streamline operations, focusing on core areas of automation and digitalization. The task now falls to the supervisory board to identify a leader who can build upon this foundation and guide Siemens through the next phase of its evolution.

The search, as confirmed by a company spokesperson, is comprehensive, encompassing both internal and external candidates. This dual approach is not unexpected for a company of Siemens' stature, suggesting the board is unwilling to limit its options and is committed to securing the best possible leader, regardless of their current affiliation.

The Digitalization Imperative & The Skills Siemens Seeks

The emphasis on finding a candidate with experience in technology and digitalization isn't merely a buzzword; it's a reflection of the fundamental forces reshaping the industrial sector. Siemens, historically renowned for its engineering prowess, is now deeply invested in becoming a leading provider of digital solutions for industries ranging from manufacturing and energy to healthcare and infrastructure. The 'Internet of Things' (IoT), industrial software, and data analytics are central to Siemens' growth strategy.

The new Chairman will be expected to not only understand these technologies but also possess the vision to anticipate future trends and steer Siemens towards innovation. The company is a key player in developing smart factories and is heavily involved in the rollout of 5G networks for industrial applications. A candidate who can navigate the complexities of these areas will be highly valued.

Recent reports suggest Siemens is particularly interested in individuals with a demonstrated track record in successfully scaling digital businesses and fostering a culture of innovation within large organizations. While engineering expertise remains crucial, the board appears to be prioritizing leadership qualities that can accelerate Siemens' digital transformation.

Internal Contenders & External Prospects

The internal candidate pool likely includes several high-ranking executives who have played key roles in Siemens' recent successes. Names circulating within industry circles include Matthias Reuter, currently the CEO of Siemens Mobility, and Cedrik Neike, head of Siemens Digital Industries. Both executives have demonstrated strong leadership and possess a deep understanding of the company's operations. However, the board might deem an external perspective necessary to inject fresh thinking and disrupt existing paradigms.

Potential external candidates are harder to pinpoint, but industry analysts suggest the board may be looking at leaders from technology giants like ABB, Schneider Electric, or even figures with experience in leading software and data analytics companies. The appointment of an individual from outside the traditional industrial realm would be a bold move, signaling Siemens' commitment to embracing a truly digital-first future.

Diversity as a Core Principle

The board's stated commitment to finding a "diverse and qualified" candidate is significant. In recent years, there has been growing pressure on German corporations to improve diversity at the executive level. Siemens has publicly acknowledged the importance of inclusivity and has implemented initiatives to promote gender equality and representation of diverse backgrounds within its workforce. Choosing a Chairman who reflects this commitment would not only align with Siemens' values but also attract top talent from a wider pool of candidates.

The selection process, expected to unfold over the next two years, will undoubtedly be closely watched by investors, employees, and industry observers. The choice of Chairman will not only shape the future of Siemens but also provide a bellwether for the broader trends transforming the German industrial sector. With a rapidly changing global landscape and the ever-increasing importance of technology, the stakes are high for Siemens as it seeks to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.