Amidst the transformative waves of the Covid-19 crisis and the evolving business landscape, companies grapple with the imperative to adapt to the “new normal” to thrive in a competitive environment. Schneider Electric, a French multinational energy firm, stands at the forefront of global energy management and automation, strategically steering through challenges and capitalizing on emerging trends.
Recently unveiled, Schneider Electric’s 2021 financial results highlight its resilience in overcoming pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions. With a revenue of 29 billion euros ($32.2 billion), the company not only achieved its profitability target a year ahead of schedule but surpassed it by an impressive 17%. Notably, it recorded a historic operating profit of five billion euros ($5.5 billion) and a remarkable 51% surge in net profit, crossing the three billion euros ($3.3 billion) milestone.
Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman and CEO of Schneider Electric, attributes this success to the company’s strategic pivot toward becoming a digital partner for its customers, emphasizing efficiency and sustainability. This shift was prompted by the accelerated digitalization of business operations during the pandemic and a heightened global awareness of climate change issues, particularly following the COP26 summit.
As global calls for sustainability grow louder, Schneider Electric leads the charge. Tricoire affirms, “It’s a complete alignment of everything we do at Schneider.” The company is on a mission to optimize energy resources for its customers, leveraging electrification and digitalization technologies to reduce emissions and adopting a highly localized operational model. Recognized as the world’s most sustainable company at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Schneider Electric remains committed to driving positive change.
In the Middle East and Africa, a key hub for Schneider Electric, the company’s innovative solutions benefit countries like the UAE, contributing to enhanced efficiency and sustainability across various aspects of infrastructure. Tricoire emphasizes the profound impact on the Emirates, stating, “We contribute to all aspects of life of the Emirates.”
Demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and digital transformation, Schneider Electric has joined the UAE’s Industry 4.0 and Champion 4.0 network through its sister company, AVEVA. In discussions with Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology, Tricoire explored avenues for Schneider Electric to support UAE SMEs in leveraging technology.
Recognizing the challenge of women’s underrepresentation in industries like technology, energy, automation, and software, Tricoire is a proactive advocate for gender equality. As an ambassador for the United Nations’ He for She initiative, he emphasizes the need for fair gender representation in companies, a commitment reflected in Schneider Electric’s gender-parity board and progressing leadership with 30% female representation.
