This audio was created using Microsoft Azure Speech Services
My journey with APC and Schneider Electric began three decades ago. I can still remember it clearly. I was working at GE and got a call from my college friend who said, “why don’t you come work at this strange little start-up called American Power Conversion?” I was young and single and responded, “why not, let’s give this a try.” So, I joined the company in 1989. I stayed with APC for 10 years and then left to work with start-ups for a few years. I returned to APC in early 2003 where I’ve remained for the last 17 years. After a total of 27 years with the company and nearly four years leading our division, I’ve made the decision to step down as Executive Vice President of the Secure Power Division of Schneider Electric.
A legacy of legendary reliability and innovation
As I look back on everything we’ve accomplished at APC and Schneider Electric, I’m proud of what we have built and what we have done. We have taken advantage of major market disruptions several times in our history to deliver innovative and top-quality solutions for our customers.
First, in the 1980’s we responded to the rapid rise of PCs and local area networks with innovative and even controversial solutions. We developed simple but smart plug-and-play uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, added software, and followed the go-to-market model of IT vendors selling servers, storage, and switches. That is, we sold through IT distributors and resellers. Our products were super-reliable. We also built a marketing machine to support our efforts and with all that built the brand we know today as APC.
Later, the dot.com boom opened the door for us to introduce the market-changing InfraStruXure solutions, providing customers with fully integrated system including UPS’s, racks, cooling, power distribution, and management software. At first, our competitors laughed at InfraStruXure. Then they all followed and made versions of their own.
Today, with the explosion in IoT and connected devices, Schneider Electric continues to lead the charge in solutions for the Edge with our EcoStruxureTM architecture encompassing connected products, edge control and apps, analytics & services. This steady rise of IoT and the large amounts of data being generated by consumer and business applications is giving us another major opportunity to deliver disruptive and innovative solutions.
As I think about all the market disruptions and our responses over the years, I’m reminded of one of the philosophies that I’ve consistently subscribed to: “give customers what they need, not what they’re asking for. Do it in a unique way – maybe one they haven’t thought of before.” As I prepare to leave Schneider Electric, I know the company will remain committed to helping our customers find innovative solutions to their challenges.
Confidence in the future
I congratulate Pankaj Sharma on his appointment to lead the Secure Power Division of Schneider Electric. I am confident that Pankaj’s dedication to our customers and employees, his commitment to operate with a growth mindset, and his passion for innovation, diversity, and sustainability will serve him well in the years to come.
Pankaj has been with the Secure Power business for the last 19 years and has been a part of my leadership team as Senior Vice President, Home & Business Networks for the last 3.5 years. During this time, I’ve seen Pankaj’s strong commitment to act like an owner first-hand. He introduced a robust business strategy, drove strong and consistent innovations in the single-phase UPS market, and built the best team to lead our entry into new geographies.
A strong transition to ensure continuity for our customers and employees
Although my entry into the company all those years ago was rather abrupt, I’m happy to report my exit from the organization will be much more thoughtful to ensure a seamless transition for our customers and employees. Pankaj and I will work closely throughout 2020 to drive continuity of the business and minimize disruptions. Following the transition, I look forward to pursuing some of my personal interests and spending more time with my family.
In closing, I’d like to thank all the customers, partners, employees, and friends who have helped to positively shape the last 27 years of my career. It has been an honor and a privilege to contribute to and lead in this industry. I’m grateful for the strong ties and fond memories created over these last few decades. I look forward to our paths crossing again.
Conversation
Ali Ibrahim
5 years ago
Wishing all the best for you and your family, It was great career with Schneider Electric. The best part is “give customers what they need, not what they’re asking for”
Brad Marks
5 years ago
Dave, during my time at APC; great and memorable times, I truly enjoyed working with you. Your leadership, professionalism, support, understanding and authenticity, was and continues to be, something I try my best to emulate in my career.
Good luck and best wishes as you move into the next chapter of your life!
Brad
Aaron Davis
5 years ago
Thanks for all the efforts and some greet memories. Few can say they truly changed the world…glad to have shared the ride .
Bill Kabai
5 years ago
DJ that was very well said. I’ve always considered you to be an incredible innovator and leader of people. I learned a lot working with you and I wish you the very best in the next chapter of your life!
You‘ve made an enormous difference at APC/SE in both customers and colleagues lives and you should always be very proud of that!
All the best!
Bill
Joe Capes
5 years ago
Great to reminisce about the many amazing things APC and Schneider Electric accomplished. I managed the introduction of the worlds first plug and play UPS and fondly remember attending the Microsoft Windows 95 launch in Redmond. APC and SE gave us the entrepreneurial spirit to do great things with the company and also to start our own ventures. Best of luck Dave and Pankaj!
John Eaton-Griffin
5 years ago
This is a great journey and l’m sorry I never got the opportunity to meet.I know the transition will be smooth with your commitment. Appreciate the Optimism to share with our customers! Thanks for sharing this
Mike Prior
5 years ago
All the best to you Dave.
Mike Prior
Andrew Cole
5 years ago
DJ, it was a ride is right and I had fun reading your recall.
Wishing you happiness and peace in the next chapter…..
cheers for now,
Lori Giuttari
5 years ago
Dave,
Wishing you a prosperous and healthy New Year! New adventure is the spice of life! Have fun and best of luck for all things great! 🙂
Lori
Lopes Luis
5 years ago
Hi Dave, why don’t you come work at this strange “big” startup called VERTIV ? 🙂
Good luck and thank you for the APC days.
Michael Chen
5 years ago
Thanks for your great leaderships. Best wishes to you!
Tony Evans
5 years ago
Dave,
You’ve created a legacy that continues to thrive and will do so for many, many years. It remains an absolute privilege to be a part of those old APC days turning the industry sideways. On to your next adventure.
Tony
Rob Aldrich
5 years ago
Great to see you not living to work Dave. I’m sure your family will be thankful for your choice. I hope you enjoy all the many gifts family and time give.
I hope you consider looking into working on environmental issues. Our background in electrical engineering is needed by groups looking to better manage emissions/pollution related to energy use. I’m active in this community and would be happy to make intros.
All the best Dave!
Linda Finn
5 years ago
Dave- I am sure you have some exciting plans as your next adventure…best of luck to you!
Mark Brandt
5 years ago
Dave very proud of your long career! There is another exciting chapter waiting!
Kelli Kirwin
5 years ago
Way to make a significant mark on the industry Dave – Congratulations!
Vivek Gupta
5 years ago
All the best to you for your future endeavours. Hope our paths cross someday and I get a chance to experience your leadership again.
Joe Gleason
5 years ago
Dave,
Thank you for your great leadership and friendship over the years.
All The Best,
~J
Etienne Gerrits
5 years ago
Hi Dave, thanks for bringing the entrepreneurial culture to the teams. In my 15 years working at APC/SE I always felt empowered to act as owner for our (Strategic) customers. That enabled our teams to do really everything for our customers to become their trusted advisor. You helped me more than once to exceed our customers expectation. I like to thank you for being an inspiring leader and wish you all the best in the next chapters of your life. Hope we meet again.