FRANKFURT, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Commerzbank on

Thursday named Carsten Schmitt as its new chief financial

officer, a crucial role at Germany's No. 2 lender as it seeks to

fend off an approach by Italy's UniCredit for a

tie-up.

The job became vacant after the previous CFO, Bettina

Orlopp, assumed the role of chief executive officer, a promotion

that came as the bank's board deemed her better placed to

negotiate with UniCredit.

Schmitt previously served as Executive Vice President of

Group Strategy and M&A at Danske Bank ( DNSKF ). Before that,

he worked for Commerzbank in various positions for more than 20

years, most recently heading the group finance segment from 2019

to 2021.

The handover is planned to be completed by spring 2025 at

the latest, said Commerzbank.

The new CFO will play an important part in reshaping the

bank's tweaked strategy, which it plans to present in February.

Italy's No. 2 bank has been pressing for a tie-up after

snapping up a hefty stake in Commerzbank in September, while the

German company has been honing its defence as it seeks to remain

independent.

UniCredit's move is the most ambitious attempt yet at a

pan-European bank merger, but it faces considerable hurdles.

Commerzbank's management, employees and German Chancellor

Olaf Scholz have all voiced opposition to a potential takeover,

but at least one big investor and some business leaders favour

talks.

UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel, who has long held an interest in

a tie-up with Commerzbank, has said a combination would be the

best outcome although he has not ruled out walking away.

(Writing by Tom Sims and Madeline Chambers. Editing by Rachel

More and Mark Potter)