Schneider Electric, a prominent global energy technology company, has announced the appointment of Matthew Baynes as the new Vice President for its Secure Power and Data Centre division in the UK and Ireland. This strategic decision is aimed at aligning with the swift growth of digital infrastructure in the region.
Matthew Baynes, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry, brings a wealth of knowledge from various leadership roles on a global and regional scale. His expertise in global ecosystem management, colocation strategy, and commercial growth has equipped him well for the responsibilities associated with his new role. This appointment comes at a crucial time as the UK embarks on an exciting phase of digital infrastructure development, driven by the AI Opportunities Action Plan.
As the new Vice President, Matthew will be overseeing Schneider Electric’s operations in the Secure Power and Data Centre sector across the UK and Ireland. A key aspect of his role will involve close collaboration with Schneider Electric’s EcoXpert partners, IT channels, local authorities, and ecosystem stakeholders.
The primary focus will be on ensuring that the region is adequately prepared to meet the growing demand for sustainable and resilient data centre infrastructure, particularly in light of AI’s increasingly influential role. Matthew Baynes has emphasized the potential for the UK to strengthen its position as a major digital infrastructure hub in the near future, with ample opportunities to enhance its global leadership in the coming years.
With nearly two decades of experience, Matthew has been instrumental in driving significant growth within Schneider Electric’s data centre business. In his previous role as Global Vice President for Strategic Partners and Cloud and Service Providers, he led a team that supported the ecosystem surrounding major cloud, colocation, and hyperscale customers, expanding the operation on a global scale.
Matthew’s visionary approach and strategic planning have transformed a nascent function within the company into a powerhouse serving some of the largest entities in the sector. His new role comes at a time when the digital landscape in the UK is evolving rapidly, allowing him to articulate his vision of data centres as growth engines that drive local economy and innovation.