CIO OPINION
Power International Region . This will also include South America , and so I ’ m looking forward to this new role .
In your new leadership role , what are you excited about achieving with an international team of over 700 people ?
Coming from an energy background , I find it fascinating how discussions about data centres now inevitably involve energy due to the increasing digitalisation and the resulting demand .
My journey into data centres began with electrical distribution infrastructure , particularly connecting hyperscale data centres in Asia Pacific , and now in the Middle East and Africa . As large-scale data centres are on the rise in these regions , my experience in the energy sector is proving valuable , especially in discussions around energy efficiency and sustainability .
Despite my primary focus on energy , I am eager to learn and contribute more for the enterprise IT ecosystem , partners and alliances , particularly with the growing importance of AI and its transformative potential .
My early career experiences as a controls and automation engineer linked me to IT infrastructure and hardware , showing me how energy and data are increasingly intertwined . Working on microgrids in Australia highlighted the complexity of balancing the grid with energy storage technology and renewables – insights now applicable to creating sustainable data centres .
It is exciting to see the strong coupling between data and energy , and I am excited about applying my knowledge and skills to this evolving field , especially with the anticipated growth in AI and its potential impact on the industry .
As you moved from pure engineering into more managerial roles , how did you find that transition ? How did you expand your skills as you progressed ?
My strategy has always been to stay directionally aware of my goals and work hard to achieve them .
Starting as a project engineer , I took on a US $ 5 million project and approached it with a CEO mindset ,
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