Rolls-Royce nabs Andreas Schell from UTC

Rolls-Royce announced on Wednesday that Andreas Schell has been appointed as chief executive officer of Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

The FTSE 100 engineering giant said Schell will join Rolls-Royce later this year, reporting to chief executive Warren East, and take up his new position from 1 January next year, succeeding Dr Ulrich Dohle who is retiring.

Schell is currently vice president for digital strategy at UTC Aerospace Systems.

The board of Rolls-Royce said he has a “wealth of international leadership expertise”, running complex organisations involved in high-technology engineering across a number of sectors including aerospace and automotive in Germany, the UK and US.

It added he has experience in operational transformation programmes, strategy and the development of new business models, products and markets.

“I am delighted that Andreas Schell will be joining Rolls-Royce,” said Warren East.

“He is an enthusiastic leader with experience in dealing with large, complex businesses.

“He has a thorough understanding of product and market development and a passion for outstanding engineering and operational excellence.”

East said Schell also understands the challenges and opportunities that are presented by digital technologies and techniques.

“I am looking forward to working closely with him.”

The company said Schell is a German citizen, and joined UTC in 2009.

Prior to that he worked at Chrysler, holding a number of roles including vice president, electrical and electronics core engineering, and he was responsible for developing and releasing electric systems for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge product lines.

Schell said he is very proud to be joining “one of the world's great engineering companies” at an “exciting time in its development.

“Rolls-Royce Power Systems has great prospects with strong positions in global markets [and] it has an impressive history and an excellent track record in delivering innovative products and satisfying customers.

“I look forward to meeting the team and working together with my new colleagues to secure the continued success of the business.”