Sylvester, a former General Electric executive, will also be responsible for the electrification business in ABB's biggest market, it said.

During her career at GE, Sylvester held several executive-level positions, including president & CEO of GE Lighting, and head of GE's joint venture with Japanese robot maker Fanuc.

She is due to take up her new role on Aug. 1. Scheu is due to retire at end of October.

(Reporting by John Revill; Editing by Michael Shields)