Schneider Electric, a global energy technology company, has appointed Matthew Baynes as the new Vice President for its Secure Power and Data Centre division across the UK and Ireland. This strategic appointment marks a step towards aligning with the fast-paced expansion of digital infrastructure.
Matthew Baynes, a well-regarded figure in the industry for over 20 years, brings expertise from various global and regional leadership positions. His background in global ecosystem management, colocation strategy, and commercial growth prepares him for the responsibilities of the new position This appointment is timely, as the UK navigates an exciting phase of digital infrastructure development, spurred by the AI Opportunities Action Plan.
In this new capacity, Matthew will oversee Schneider Electric’s Secure Power and Data Centre operations within the UK and Ireland. A significant responsibility will involve working in close collaboration with Schneider Electric’s EcoXpert partners, as well as relevant IT channels, local authorities, and ecosystem stakeholders.
The focus is on ensuring the region is suitably equipped to handle the burgeoning demand for data centre infrastructure that is both sustainable and resilient amidst AI's accelerating influence. As noted by Matthew Baynes, the potential to reinforce the UK's standing as a major digital infrastructure hub lies just ahead, with the next few years filled with opportunities to enhance its global leadership.
Over nearly two decades, Matthew has played an important role in driving significant growth within Schneider Electric’s data centre business. In his prior position as Global Vice President for Strategic Partners and Cloud and Service Providers, he led a team that supported the ecosystem around major cloud, colocation, and hyperscale customers, scaling the operation globally.
Matthew's foresight and strategic planning transformed a nascent function within the company into a powerhouse serving the sector’s largest entities. He now steps into his new role at a time when the UK's digital framework is rapidly evolving, asserting his vision for data centres as growth engines that empower the local economy and innovation.
