ABB, the leading power and automation technology company, today announced that Michael Barnoski, senior vice president and head of ABB's successful Power Systems division in North America, is retiring after nearly 30 years of service to ABB. ABB has named Martin Gross to replace Barnoski as Region Division Manager and head of Power Systems, effective August 1.
"Since joining ABB in 1978, Mike has made many valuable contributions to ABB and the power industry in a variety of engineering, project and service management roles, and we sincerely thank him for all of his effort and accomplishments in the Power Systems division," said Enrique Santacana, president and CEO of ABB North America. "Under Mike's leadership, Power Systems in North America has experienced a return to profitability, established rigorous risk and project management processes, improved margins and developed an excellent work culture."

Barnoski, whose retirement is effective August 15, has held various management positions with ABB and its predecessor companies including Combustion Engineering. He was president of the ABB Nuclear Power Business and helped successfully integrate ABB Nuclear Power into Westinghouse, where he served as senior vice president of customer relations and sales. He was previously Alstom Power's U.S. country president and CEO.

"It has been a privilege to serve with ABB and its predecessor organizations all of these years and watch as the company helped pioneer the technology, products and systems that support the electric power industry toward greater energy efficiency, grid reliability and grid-wide intelligence for the 21st century," said Barnoski. "I have enjoyed the corporate culture we've created in recent years that has made ABB a model company not only in terms of efficiency, profitability and technology leadership, but in making ABB a great place to work and grow for our many talented employees."

ABB's Power Systems division is one of five major divisions within ABB, along with Power Products, Automation Products, Process Automation and Robotics. Power Systems consists of four local business units ? Grid Systems, Substations/Substation Automation, Power Generation and Network Management. Power Systems N.A. recent accomplishments include the largest SVC in the world for Allegheny Power and market systems for ERCOT and Ireland.

Martin Gross Named New Head of Power Systems North America

Martin Gross will assume the role of Region Division Manager and Head of Power Systems in North America, effective August 1, 2008. Gross's most recent position has been as president and CEO of ABB Lummus, ABB's upstream oil and gas business. Gross began his career with ABB in 1986. Between 1998 and 2005, he served as ABB's Global Business Unit manager and BU Power Generation. He has lived and worked in Germany, Poland, Switzerland and the United States.

Fri Aug 01 10:40:00 CDT 2008