Siemens hires md to steer UK marketing

Siemens has appointed Jonathan Bate as managing director for its mobile phone business in the UK, with a remit to oversee marketing.

Bate also has responsibility for the sales, finance, service and product marketing departments within Siemens Mobile Devices.

He joined Siemens earlier this month from Samsung, where as director of telecoms he launched the company into the UK mobile phone market. He has also worked at the mobile phone divisions of Philips Electronics and Motorola.

Bate replaces Thomas Sergio, who is now working for Siemens mobile devices division in the US.

Bate says: “Siemens is a heavyweight player in the UK, but it wants to build on these foundations to establish itself as a principal manufacturer in the UK.

Bate reports to Siemens information and communication mobile managing director Klaus Reimers.

Wieden & Kennedy Amsterdam produces creative work for Siemens communications devices, which is then adapted globally by WPP’s J Walter Thompson.

Siemens is among the top four mobile phone brands globally and is competing against Motorola and Ericsson to become the second clear choice after market leader Nokia.