The Vienna sales representation of the family electrical company came under the direction of Arnold von Siemens in 1879, marking the start of his leadership roles within the firm. Born in Berlin in 1853, he operated as an engineer, politician, and entrepreneur throughout the German Empire, eventually guiding the transition of Siemens & Halske into a modern incorporated entity.
Early International Expansion
After taking charge of the Vienna office, he established a production factory there in 1883. His focus on international growth continued as he inaugurated the first office for the company in Japan in 1887. By 1892, he sought to contest the market presence of General Electric in the United States by founding a factory for electrical locomotives in Chicago, which sustained total destruction by fire in August 1894.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Leadership at Siemens & Halske
He succeeded his father, Werner von Siemens, as CEO in 1890 upon his father's retirement. The company underwent formal incorporation in 1897. While his uncle Carl Heinrich von Siemens served as the inaugural chairman of the Supervisory Board, Arnold assumed this position in 1904. He maintained this role until his death in 1918, at which time his brother, Georg Wilhelm von Siemens, took over the chairmanship.
Professional and Public Life
His activities extended beyond corporate governance into the political sphere, where he served as a member of the Prussian House of Lords. He held membership in several professional and social organizations, including the VDI, or the Association of German Engineers, and the Akademische Gesellschaft Sonderbund. His marriage to Ellen von Helmholtz, the daughter of Hermann von Helmholtz, resulted in five children, including his successor Hermann von Siemens.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 November 1853, Berlin
- Died: 29 April 1918, Berlin
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire
- Occupations: Engineer, politician, entrepreneur
- Company Role: Chairman of the board, Siemens & Halske AG (1904-1918)
- Spouse: Ellen von Helmholtz
- Notable Membership: VDI – The Association of German Engineers
Questions readers ask
What major project did Arnold von Siemens oversee in the United States?
He founded a factory for electrical locomotives in Chicago in 1892 to compete with General Electric.
Who succeeded Arnold von Siemens as chairman of the board at Siemens & Halske?
Following his death in 1918, his brother Georg Wilhelm von Siemens succeeded him as chairman.
