Joseph Deiss becomes Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alstom Switzerland

Joseph Deiss has joined Alstom, and as from 1 March, 2012 he will be Chairman of the Board of Alstom Switzerland. He is replacing Andreas Koopmann, who announced his departure in late 2011.

Patrick Kron, Alstom's Chairman and CEO, expressed his pleasure "that Joseph Deiss is joining our company. With over 6,000 employees and a significant contribution to the countrys exports, Alstom is one of Switzerlands leading industrial companies. Being represented by a Swiss personality of the calibre of Joseph Deiss t is therefore extremely positive for us." Joseph Deiss said: "I am very excited about the development of Alstom's activities in Switzerland."

Patrick Kron also thanked Andreas Koopmann for "his outstanding work during his two years with the company".

Joseph Deiss, 66, taught at the University of Fribourg from 1983 to 1999 and was Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Social Science from 1996 to 1998. He began his political career as a member of the Grand Council of the canton of Fribourg (from 1981 until 1991 when he was elected president). He was then a member of the National Council from 1991 to 1999.In 1999 he was elected to the Federal Council, where he was responsible for the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (1999-2002) and the Federal Department of the Economy (2003-2006). He became President of the Swiss Confederation in 2004. In June 2010, he was elected President of the 65th session of the UN General Assembly. Joseph Deiss was or still is a consultant and Member of the Board of Directors of various companies.

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Christine Rahard Tel   +33 1 41 49 32 95   /    + 33 1 41 49 39 95       
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