The 57-year-old Dane, who has headed the supervisory board for five years, does not want to run again at the annual general meeting, the source said.

According to the rules for good corporate governance, after twelve years as a member of the supervisory board, one is no longer considered independent from the company.

German publication "WirtschaftsWoche" first reported on Snabe's plans. A spokesman for Siemens declined to comment.

According to the magazine's report, Thyssenkrupp boss Martina Merz and former CEO of Adidas Kasper Rorsted are possible successors.

 

(Reporting by Alexander Huebner, writing by Emma-Victoria Farr, editing by Thomas Escritt)