Stockholm, Sweden-based Atlas Copco last week appointed Stephan Kuhn as president of the Compressor Technique business area, effective May 1. He succeeds Ronnie Leten, who will take over as president and CEO of the group.

Kuhn headed Atlas Copco’s division Surface Drilling Equipment, based in Sweden, until May 2008, when he left for a position outside the group.

“It is with great pleasure we welcome Stephan back to Atlas Copco,” said Gunnar Brock, Atlas Copco president and CEO. “His strong sense of commitment, broad industrial background and international experience will be great assets in the further development of Compressor Technique.”

Kuhn started his career at Atlas Copco in 1995 as manager of an electric tools joint venture in China, and later held general manager positions in Belgium and Germany.

Atlas Copco’s products and services range from compressed air and gas equipment, generators, construction and mining equipment, industrial tools and assembly systems, to related aftermarket and rental.

Atlas Copco’s Compressor Technique business area develops, manufactures, markets, and services oil-free and oil-injected stationary air compressors, portable air compressors, gas and process compressors, turbo expanders, electric power generators, air treatment equipment and air management systems. It also offers specialty rental services.