OREANDA-NEWS. ABB regrets to inform its stakeholders that Roger Agnelli (56), member of the ABB Board of Directors, has died in a plane crash in Sao Paulo, Brazil, along with his wife and two children. The incident occurred at 3.20 pm local time on Saturday, March 19.

The deaths of Mr Agnelli and his immediate family, as well as of the pilot and the two other passengers on board, were confirmed by the Brazilian authorities in a statement on March 19. The authorities announced that an investigation has been started into the cause of the crash and no details are available at the moment.

“I am deeply saddened. Roger was an extremely admired and valued member of ABB's board of directors and a good friend. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him. My thoughts are with the families of the victims,” said Peter Voser, Chairman of ABB’s Board of Directors.

"It is a terrible tragedy that has shocked me deeply. In Roger, both ABB and I have lost a long-time mentor and friend. I extend my condolences to the families,” added CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer.

Roger Agnelli joined the ABB Board of Directors in 2002, shortly after becoming Chairman of the Brazilian mining company, Vale, which he went on to lead as President and CEO until 2011, turning it into the world’s largest and most successful iron ore producer.

Following the death of Roger Agnelli, the Board continues to fulfill its duties as per the Articles of Incorporation. New Board members have been proposed for election at the company's AGM on April 21.

ABB is a leading global technology company in power and automation that enables utility, industry, and transport & infrastructure customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in roughly 100 countries and employs about 135,000 people.