Siemens Appoints Janina Kugel As Chief Diversity Officer

Ms. Kugel replaces Denice Kronau, who is leaving the company on May 31, 2014 by mutual agreement to further pursue her writing and speaking career. "Ms. Kronau's outstanding contributions as CDO and leader of Siemens' Diversity Initiative ensured that Diversity has become a significant part of the Siemens values," said Siemens President and CEO Joe Kaeser. "I wholeheartedly thank Ms. Kronau for driving Diversity in Siemens globally with such enthusiasm and credibility. She has been a living example of leadership and employee communication, walking the talk every day."

Under Ms. Kronau's leadership the Diversity Initiative achieved notable successes. In the past three years the number of women in leadership positions at Siemens has increased by 15 percent to about 16 percent. However, women now hold a 10 percent share of all senior management positions, representing a 43 percent gain over the same period (as of end of fiscal year 2013).

Diversity will in future have the status of a corporate function within Siemens. This reflects both the strides made by the company's initial Diversity Initiative and the importance Diversity is gaining within Siemens.

"The numbers confirm that Siemens' engagement with Diversity as a business topic has got off to a great start. As Chief Diversity Officer I will continue to set ambitious goals not just in terms of the makeup of our global workforce, but also at the level of the individual employee with regard to the breadth of their experience and expertise," said Janina Kugel.