Jean-Pascal Tricoire: Schneider’s Sustainability Visionary
Jean-Pascal Tricoire, the dynamic Chairman of Schneider Electric, has been a driving force in transforming the French company into a global leader in energy management and automation. Born in 1963, his journey with Schneider Electric began in 1986, marking the start of a remarkable career that has spanned continents.
Jean-Pascal's career
Jean-Pascal’s early years at Schneider were characterised by a globetrotting spirit. He cut his teeth in various international roles, spending five years each in Italy and China, followed by a stint in South Africa. This global exposure would later prove invaluable in shaping his vision for the company.
Known for his love of "travelling off the beaten path", he speaks four languages fluently: French, English, Italian and Chinese. His linguistic prowess, combined with a charismatic manner, makes him an excellent communicator of ideas across borders.
Indeed, Jean-Pascal's early years with Schneider align almost exactly with the third era of globalisation, a period characterised by free markets, economic liberalism and a boom in global service industries. In this light, it's easy to see him as a shining example of what globalisation can mean.
An unconventional CEO
After many years on the move, Jean-Pascal returned to his native France just before the new millennium. In 2006 he ascended to the role of CEO at the age of 43, a position he held until 2023.
Under his leadership, Schneider Electric underwent a dramatic transformation, evolving from a traditional electrical equipment manufacturer into a tech-savvy powerhouse at the forefront of the digital and sustainable energy revolution.
In 2011, Jean-Pascal left France to return to Hong Kong, where he had spent time earlier in his career, directing Schneider’s operations from East Asia thereafter.
There were some concerns that having a CEO so far removed from Schneider’s headquarters might make operations disjointed. However, Jean-Pascal’s presence in Asia helped Schneider expand across the region.
Revolutionising Schneider Electric
Jean-Pascal’s tenure as CEO was marked by a series of strategic acquisitions and a laser focus on sustainability. He oversaw the purchase of American Power Conversion in 2007, a move that catapulted Schneider into the big leagues of critical power and cooling services. But it was his emphasis on solutions that truly set Schneider Electric apart.
With all the zeal of a green energy evangelist, Jean-Pascal championed the idea of an "all-electric, all-digital world". He positioned Schneider Electric as a key player in the fight against climate change, focusing on energy-efficient technologies and solutions for buildings, data centres and industrial processes.
So whilst Schneider itself was not an energy provider, Jean-Pascal helped the company affect the way energy was consumed. Under Jean-Pascal’s stewardship, Schneider’s work has had a huge impact on reducing emissions across all kinds of industries.
This hasn’t gone unrecognised. Sustainability Magazine named Schneider Electric the world’s most sustainable company.
A focus on best practices
Throughout the years, Jean-Pascal’s commitment to sustainability has extended beyond Schneider. Currently, he serves on the worldwide board of the UN Global Compact and is a UN HeForShe Corporate IMPACT champion, advocating for gender equality in the workplace.
Under his leadership, Schneider Electric has made significant strides in increasing female representation in leadership roles, with 42% representation across its global team. This shows a clear commitment to establishing gender equality in an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men.
Jean-Pascal also sits on the board of Qualcomm, he is a member of the International Business Council of the World Economic Forum and has served on various advisory business councils in China and Singapore.
His global outlook and commitment to sustainability have earned him deserved international recognition, including a spot on Harvard Business Review's list of top-performing CEOs.
Stepping back from leadership
In 2023, Jean-Pascal stepped back from his role as Schneider Electric’s CEO.
Schneider’s Head of Global Marketing and Communications, Amy Haddon, said: “Jean-Pascal's leadership over the past 20 years has been nothing short of extraordinary, transforming Schneider on multiple fronts, driving record-setting performance and doing it all while creating a culture of empowerment, inclusion and purpose.”
In his role as Chairman, he continues to champion sustainability and oversee strategic decisions. He envisions a future where digital technologies and electrical innovations empower everyone to make the most of our energy resources.
On this topic, Jean-Pascal says: "Our role is to make sure that we aid our customers to make the most of their energy.”
His leadership has positioned Schneider Electric at the forefront of the green energy revolution, proving that profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand. Reflecting on the shape of energy in years to come, he says: “At Schneider, we pioneer Electricity 4.0 and Industry 4.0. We believe those two are key to achieving a more resilient and sustainable future.”
To read the full story in the magazine click HERE
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