OREANDA-NEWS. ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has appointed Michael Schiendorfer as head of its Business Media Relations team focusing on financial and business topics, effective Aug. 1, 2015. He will report directly to Christoph Sieder, Head of ABB Group Corporate Communications.

Schiendorfer joins ABB from Novartis, where he has been Head of Public Relations for the pharmaceutical company's Swiss unit since 2007. Prior to that, he held a global role as spokesman for Hilti Corp., a maker of tools and equipment for the construction and energy sectors.

Schiendorfer, a Swiss national, also has experience as a spokesman for global businesses in the insurance and software industries, and as a communications consultant and journalist. He holds an executive master's degree in communications management from the University of Lugano.

Commenting on Schiendorfer's appointment, Sieder said: "Michael Schiendorfer brings a wealth of experience from many different sectors to ABB, and he will play a crucial role in communicating the progress of our Next Level strategy and positioning ABB as the leader in power and automation globally."

Schiendorfer succeeds Thomas Schmidt, who is stepping down as ABB's Group head of media relations after 15 years in the role to concentrate on his position as Group head of Public Affairs. Schmidt will also take on additional responsibility as Head of Communications for ABB's Europe region and will join the region's management team.

"I would like to thank Thomas Schmidt for his excellent contributions during a period that included the company's crisis years and successful turnaround," Sieder said. "We are delighted that he will bring his considerable experience to bear in strengthening ABB's voice among political decision-makers and other stakeholders as they define the future landscape for power and automation."