Siemens' Work Council announces Steinborn's replacement with Bäumler in leadership position - Siemens Work Council announces Baumler as Steinborn's Successor
New Chair Takes Over Siemens Works Council, Continuing Steinborn's Legacy
Birgit Steinborn, one of the most powerful women in Siemens, is stepping down as head of the Siemens Works Council after an eleven-and-a-half-year tenure. Tobias Bäumler, her deputy, has been unanimously elected as her successor and will take over his new responsibilities at the end of August 2025.
Steinborn, based in Karlsruhe, is known for her functionalist approach, representing Siemens employees in a factual and persistent manner. Her tenure saw ongoing battles against job cuts and plant closures, as well as a transformation agreement and an agreement with management on the ongoing reduction of several thousand jobs in automation.
As the new chair, Bäumler's goals focus on continuing to advance the Works Council and effectively represent Siemens employees’ interests. He aims to build on the significant progress already achieved under Steinborn’s leadership, especially in navigating major corporate changes such as the spin-offs of Siemens Energy and Siemens Healthineers. Bäumler is committed to fostering strong employee representation into the future, supported by praise from union leaders who emphasize his suitability for strengthening worker advocacy at Siemens.
Steinborn believes it is important to pass the baton to the next generation before the upcoming works council elections. She will retain her position as deputy chair of the supervisory board. Jürgen Kerner, second chairman of IG Metall, praises Steinborn’s commitment to the interests of Siemens employees.
The change at the helm of the Siemens Works Council comes amidst major upheavals for Siemens, including the spin-off of Siemens Energy and Siemens Healthineers. Bäumler, based in Munich, will face the challenge of leading with a fresh perspective ahead of the upcoming council elections and ensuring the continued protection of employee welfare amid ongoing company transformations.
References: [1] Siemens AG. (2025). Press Release: New Chair of the Siemens Gesamtbetriebsrat. Retrieved from www.siemens.com/press/en/2025/new-chair-of-the-siemens-gesamtbetriebsrat.html [2] Siemens AG. (2025). Biography: Tobias Bäumler. Retrieved from www.siemens.com/biography/tobias-bäumler
The new chair, Tobias Bäumler, will endeavor to maintain and further advance the Siemens Works Council, aiming to continue the effective representation of Siemens employees' interests. As he takes over, he will strive to build on the significant progress made under Birgit Steinborn's leadership, especially in regard to major corporate changes like the spin-offs of Siemens Energy and Siemens Healthineers. Additionally, workplace policies such as the community policy and employment policy will remain crucial for him, considering Siemens' ongoing restructurings in the industry, finance, and business sectors.
