- Siemens' labor union appoints Baumler to replace Steinborn in leadership role.
New Leader for Siemens Works Council: Tobias Bäumler Takes Over from Birgit Steinborn
Tobias Bäumler has been unanimously elected as the new head of the Siemens Gesamtbetriebsrat (General Works Council), succeeding Birgit Steinborn after her eleven-and-a-half years of leadership. He was formerly her deputy and represents the Siemens workforce at the Karlsruhe site.
Bäumler assumes his role at the end of August 2025 and has expressed a commitment to further advancing the works council and effectively representing Siemens employees’ interests. His leadership transition marks a generational shift ahead of the upcoming works council elections. He is supported by Stefanie Lengfelder, his newly elected deputy, and both were praised by Jürgen Kerner, second chairman of IG Metall, for their suitability to enhance employee representation at Siemens.
During her tenure, Steinborn navigated significant company changes, including spin-offs such as Siemens Energy and Siemens Healthineers, as well as ongoing challenges like job reductions and plant closures. She emphasized the importance of pragmatic employee protection and steady progress, setting a tone that Bäumler is expected to continue.
Steinborn will retain her position as deputy chair of the supervisory board. Jürgen Kerner, second chairman of IG Metall, praised Steinborn as always non-ideological, but with a clear compass of values and great commitment to the interests of the employees. Judith Wiese, Siemens' HR manager, pays tribute to the outgoing works council chairwoman, despite their differing perspectives, they both always had the success of people and the company in mind.
Steinborn is known as a functionary who represented the interests of Siemens employees in a factual and tenacious manner, rather than making a fuss, even during the tumultuous years of her tenure. She was among the most powerful women in the company with her position in the Siemens Works Council.
Bäumler's plan is to continue strengthening the council’s role in defending and representing employee interests amidst company restructuring and market challenges. The change at the helm of the Siemens Works Council is taking place at the end of the month.
[1] Source: Siemens press release, August 2025 [2] Source: IG Metall press release, August 2025
- Tobias Bäumler's new role as the head of the Siemens Gesamtbetriebsrat necessitates a keen understanding of various employment policies within the industry, as he will represent Siemens workers and navigate business challenges.
- The upcoming works council elections present an opportunity to reevaluate and potentialy redefine community policy, finance, and business strategies within Siemens, as their leadership transition marks a generational shift.
