Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation has appointed Fola Esan as the Chief Executive Officer of its East Africa business.

Fola joins Schneider Electric at a time when the demand for efficient and advanced energy distribution and consumption in East Africa is growing and will lead efforts to help businesses achieve better operational energy efficiency.

Fola will be responsible for actualizing the organization’s commitment to a safe and reliable grid network, access to energy to non-connected communities and overall improved quality of energy in the country.

“East Africa is leading the continent in energy consumption making its efficiency important and this creates a great opportunity for Schneider Electric in the region. I am privileged to be steering the company and region towards the achievement of this goal” says Fola.

A seasoned and true global business leader, Fola has held a number of leadership roles in international Oil and Gas, Industrial and Energy sector firms in Africa, Asia and Europe and was previously the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director for Lafarge – South East Africa Region.

He has immense experience in Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategy and Business Development, Human Resource Development and Operations Management and has worked in various senior and executive level capacities for global firms in South Africa, Algeria, Cameroon, Nigeria, United Kingdom, France, Indonesia, and Thailand.

“I am very excited to be joining a company that is investing in Research and Development to help East Africa manage its energy and processes in ways that are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable and build a smarter continent”, says Fola.

As a pioneer in adopting the government’s local content policy, Fola will lead a team of industry certified commercial and technical engineers, safety professionals and support staff which is over 95% East African.

About Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric is the global specialist in energy management and automation. With revenues of ~€27 billion in FY2015, our 160,000+ employees serve customers in over 100 countries, helping them to manage their energy and process in ways that are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable. From the simplest of switches to complex operational systems, our technology, software and services improve the way our customers manage and automate their operations. Our connected technologies reshape industries, transform cities and enrich lives. At Schneider Electric, we call this Life Is On. www.schneider-electric.com