ZURICH--Hubertus Kuelps has departed SAP to join UBS as group head of communications.

Kuelps takes on global responsibility for UBS' communications and branding, and is based in Zurich, reporting to Ulrich Körner, UBS COO and CEO of its corporate center.

Kuelps joins UBS from SAP, where he had been head of global communications for the past two years.

His move to UBS marks a return to the financial sector, after spending 11 years at Allianz prior to joining SAP. Kuelps' career at Allianz included numerous roles across the company's global network, culminating in the position of head of communications at Allianz of America.

"Hubertus’ proven track record in communications and operational business roles combined with his extensive financial services expertise make him the ideal candidate for this position", said Körner. "His broad experience in Asia, America and Europe will bring a distinctive international perspective to the role,”

Kuelps succeeds Michael Willi, who departs the bank after 20 years, four of which were spent leading the global communications and branding function.

"Michael has been a key leader in the firm during both times of crisis and of growth," said Körner. "He successfully built and led a global, multi-cultural communications organization." 

Last year, SAP Asia-Pacific comms head Ian Brown also departed the company. He was succeeded by Claudia Cortes.