Atlas Copco has appointed Robert (Bob) Fassl as President of the Mining and Rock Excavation Technique business area as of July 1, when the Group’s new business area structure also comes into effect.  Fassl, born 1962, is currently head of Atlas Copco’s Drilling Solutions division, based in Texas, USA. A Canadian citizen, he joined Atlas Copco in 1982 and has held several positions including General Manager, Service Manager, Supply Manager, Production and Purchasing Manager, in North America, Sweden and Great Britain. He speaks Swedish, German and English.“It’s with great pleasure we welcome Bob to the Group Management team of Atlas Copco. His deep knowledge of the mining industry and global business experience will be great assets for the development of the Mining and Rock Excavation Technique business area,” says Ronnie Leten, President and CEO of the Atlas Copco Group.

Atlas Copco has also announced a change to its business area structure, going from three to four more focused business areas. Mining and Rock Excavation Technique brings together divisions for underground and surface drilling products, crushing, loading and hauling, and exploration equipment, with total revenues in 2010 of about SEK22.5 billion. The business area will be based in Stockholm.  Fassl’s mission is to further develop the business area’s market leading positions and to strengthen its aftermarket business through the creation of a dedicated service division.

Björn Rosengren, current head of the Construction and Mining Technique business area, is leaving the Group for a position as President and CEO of Wärtsilä.