Schneider Electric’s Bold Executive Shake-Up: What These Power Moves Mean for the Future of Energy Leadership

Ever wonder what it truly takes for a powerhouse like Schneider Electric to keep blazing trails in the fast-evolving world of energy management and automation? It’s not just about cutting-edge tech or green credentials — it’s about who’s steering the ship through these electrifying times. Today, Schneider Electric is turning the spotlight on a fresh lineup of visionary leaders across the UK and Ireland, each primed to supercharge the company’s mission to help clients not just tap into the new energy landscape, but own it. From Kristen Brown embracing a “Customer Obsessed” mindset to drive stellar service, to Layton Hill charting the commercial strategy for net-zero commitments, these moves are less about shuffling titles and more about turbocharging impact in a world desperate for sustainable solutions. Think of it as the company’s way of saying, “we’re not just ready for the future — we’re shaping it.” Curious how this dynamic team will rewrite the playbook on decarbonization and energy resiliency? Let’s dive in. LEARN MORE

Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced a series of new appointments to its executive leadership team across the UK and Ireland (UK&I).

These changes are designed to reinforce Schneider Electric’s commitment to helping customers navigate the new energy landscape and implement electrification in order to achieve their net-zero goals and energy resiliency.

Kristen Brown has been appointed as Vice President Customer Operations UK&I.

Brown, previously VP Strategy UK&I, will be appointed VP Customer Operations UK&I.

She will assume the full scope, previously held by Rhonda Doyle, of the Customer Care Centre, Customer Satisfaction and Quality, Project Management Office, Business Systems and Compliance.

She will focus on leading with a “Customer Obsessed” mentality to enhance the overall customer experience by ensuring our business anticipates and meets customer needs to drive higher satisfaction and deepen relationships.

Brown has been at the company for two years and her experience will ensure that operations remain closely aligned with the territory’s core priorities and overarching direction.

Layton Hill appointed as Vice President Strategy UK&I.

Hill, who has been serving as interim VP Strategy UK&I, will formally assume the role.

Hill joined Schneider Electric in 2023 and has played a pivotal role in the Transactional Business team, helping to drive continuous improvement, product commercialisation, and go-to-market strategy.

In his new capacity, Hill will be focused on Schneider Electric’s commercial strategy and government affairs, working across business units and directly with customers, building strategic intelligence across economic indicators, market trends, competition, and major project tracking.

He will also be leading sustainable development and the delivery of Schneider Electric’s net-zero zone commitments.

Kas Mohammed has been appointed as Vice President Services UK&I

Mohammed, previously VP Digital Energy UK&I, will assume the role of VP Services UK&I.

With an impressive 18-year tenure in Digital Energy, Mohammed brings a wealth of experience and is well-equipped to share his extensive knowledge and best practice in his new position.

He will oversee the delivery of expertise to allow customers to modernise, maintain, and monitor their electrical, automation, and control assets and systems, throughout their entire lifecycles, for safe operations 24/7.

Mohammed and his team will help customers face unprecedented challenges and accelerate their decarbonisation journeys with confidence.

He will continue to oversee the strategy around our end user sales organisation, ensuring we are set up to deliver and support our end user customers.

David Pownall has been appointed as Vice President Power Systems & Safety UK&I.

Pownall assumes the role of VP Power Systems & Safety UK&I. David joined Schneider Electric over six years ago as VP Services & Safety UK&I.

During that time, he has successfully driven the growth of the Services business, implemented a new service model, and enhanced employee engagement.

Pownall brings extensive international experience across Japan, North America, and the UK, along with deep industry expertise that will be invaluable in his new role.

He will lead the development and launch of SF6-free technologies, and help customers transition to a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape – especially in renewable generation, electric vehicles, electric rail, and shore-to-ship electric charging.

Pownall will also retain responsibility for Health and Safety, overseeing employees’ wellbeing across UK&I.

David Williams’ role expands as Vice President Transactional Business & Major Pursuits UK&I.

Williams will expand his remit to include the Major Pursuits team as the VP Transactional Business & Major Pursuits UK&I.

He will continue to focus on key customers and segments, ensuring the ongoing development of a robust pipeline for large-scale projects across the territory.

Kelly Becker, Schneider Electric’s President UK and Ireland, Belgium and The Netherlands said: “These appointments reflect our ongoing investment in leadership development and excellence.

“We are continuing to invest heavily in the UK and Ireland, delivering solutions that help realise the commercial and environmental benefits of decarbonisation and set new benchmarks for sustainable design.

“These latest executive appointments are part of our ongoing commitment to driving growth in the region and will help us to deliver even greater impact for our customers and partners.”

Photo: Kristen Brown Vice President Customer Operations UK&I.