Siemens has appointed Michael Buker (51) as the chief financial officer of the company’s Middle East, effective February 1.

An industry veteran, Buker will be responsible for managing the company’s financial operations across the region, driving profitability and supporting key growth areas, said a statement from the company.

In his new role, he will be tasked with supporting the digital transformation and the potential for co-creation projects with customers and partners.

Buker takes over from Alia Al Rifai, who will assume a new role at the company’s headquarters in Munich, Germany, it stated.

On the appointment, Dietmar Siersdorfer, the chief executive of Siemens Middle East and UAE, said: "As Al Rifai takes on a new challenge, I would like to thank her for her outstanding leadership and dedication over the past years and wish her success in her new role."

"We are delighted to welcome Buker to the Siemens Middle East team. With its flourishing economies, the region continues to present Siemens with exciting opportunities to co-create with our customers. Michael’s rich experience in financial leadership positions will be instrumental in supporting the region’s digital transformation," he stated.

With almost 20 years of experience in finance, Buker started with Siemens in Munich, Germany as a Mergers & Acquisitions Project Manager in 2006.

Since then, he has handled a variety of leadership roles in a corporate function and in renewable energy and infrastructure, most recently served as the chief financial officer of Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics.

Prior to working with Siemens, he was the vice-president of Mergers & Acquisitions for the HVB Group in Munich, Germany.

On his new role, Buker said: "I have the honour to take over from an excellent leader, Alia, and join a very successful and dynamic team in the Middle East. In my new role, the priority will be to ensure continuity with our internal and external partners and maintain financial health in the region."

"At the same time, the finance community will focus on supporting critical infrastructure developments, expanding our digital portfolio and increasing the value we bring to our customers," he added.-TradeArabia News Service