Schneider Electric SA’s new country president

Global energy management specialist, Schneider Electric South Africa, has appointed Carl Kleynhans as Country President – Southern Africa, following the international transfer on promotion of the former Country President, Patrick Gaonach, to China as Strategy and Business Development Vice-President.

The appointment became effective on 1 September 2010.

Kleynhans was formerly Vice-President Africa of APC by Schneider Electric, a company created when American Power Conversion (APC) was acquired by Schneider Electric in 2007. Kleynhans was then responsible for business across the African continent, including the Indian Ocean islands and the French Caribbean.

He first joined APC in 1998 after acquiring sound business experience in service-driven industries and having completed formal business management tertiary studies.

Born in Johannesburg, Kleynhans is married with two children and becomes the first South African to head up Schneider Electric in South Africa in many years.

Kleynhans says that his focus will be on putting customers first, ensuring the company plays a leadership role in new or emerging economies.

“Our One Schneider Electric programme is an important vision, which is geared to make it effortless for customers to do business with us. We are cutting out complexities and keeping it simple, presenting one Schneider Electric face to our customers across all of the markets in which we operate.”

He adds that energy management and energy efficiency are key focus areas for Schneider Electric. “We want to help people make the most of their energy at a time when energy consumption worldwide is rising, and to make energy safe, reliable and efficient in homes, offices and factories.

“Energy management and energy efficiency are critical if we are to leave a positive legacy for our future generations. Schneider Electric is therefore committed to helping individuals, businesses and industries to not only reduce their energy requirements and costs but do more with less.”

Kleynhans looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead in these dynamic times. With Schneider Electric’s focus on five businesses – Power, Energy, Industry, Building/Construction and IT – Kleynhans believes it is well placed to make a difference in Africa.