Uniper communications to concentrate more on political affairs
Starting in 2017, Uniper communications will have a new focus, with a stronger emphasis on political issues relating to the energy industry.
As part of this, Astrid Quarten (45), currently serving as head of political affairs and regulation, will also be in charge of corporate communications. Quarten has held various positions within her current area of responsibility, as well as in communications at E.ON.
Constantin Birnstiel (45), currently head of communications and investor relations, will be leaving from Uniper during the course of 2017. In 2015 he decided to support the E.ON project One2two, aimed at splitting the group, and then in 2016 he played a significant role in providing communicative support, both internally and externally, with market entry and also in preparing and implementing the listing of Uniper.
Profound changes were set in motion in the wake of the massive corporate restruc- turing, which had an impact on all corporate departments. Moreover, due to the market transformation, stakeholder approaches will shift to focus more on targeting political audiences. Uniper CEO Klaus Schäfer explained: “This step is solely due to organizational and cost considerations. Personally I very much regret having to take this step. I respect Mr. Birnstiel all the more for fully agreeing with the rationale behind this measure, in a highly professional manner, and also for lending his support, even though it is not in his professional interest to do so. I am very grateful to him and I wish him ongoing success for the future.”
Furthermore, Josef Nelles (58), Head of External Communications, will be taking early retirement at the end of the year, as agreed in 2015. Mr. Schäfer thanked Mr. Nelles personally for his many years of service to the company while extending his best wishes for the future. Mr. Nelles’ successor is expected to be determined during the current calendar year. The Press Department's team of spokespersons will remain unchanged.
The Investor Relations Department is to be integrated into the Finance Department in 2017.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by the Uniper SE Management and other information currently available to Uniper. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. Uniper SE does not intend, and does not assume any liability whatsoever, to update these forward-looking statements or to adjust them to future events or developments.
