Vertiv Announces Leadership Change in EMEA Region for 2026 and Beyond

Leadership Transition at Vertiv

In a significant organizational shift, Vertiv Holdings Co. has detailed its plan for leadership changes within its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. The current president, Karsten Winther, is set to retire at the end of 2025, marking the culmination of a highly impactful tenure with the company. His successor will be Paul Ryan, who is currently the Chief Procurement Officer, and he will assume the president's role beginning January 1, 2026.

Karsten Winther's contributions have been noteworthy, especially in navigating the complexities of the EMEA market. Under his leadership, Vertiv has significantly strengthened its market position, showcasing his adeptness in driving business strategies, operational excellence, and profitability. CEO Giordano Albertazzi praised Winther, acknowledging his deep market understanding and ability to forge lasting relationships with customers. Winther will remain in his current role until December 31, 2025, to ensure a smooth transition for his successor.

Paul Ryan brings over 20 years of experience in the industry to his new position. Before his role as Chief Procurement Officer at Vertiv, he led global procurement and supply chain strategies, playing a crucial role in transforming the procurement functions and bolstering supply chain resilience. His experience extends back more than a decade with Emerson Network Power, which is now Vertiv, where he held numerous leadership roles across various regions worldwide.

Albertazzi expressed confidence in Ryan's capabilities, emphasizing his extensive background in industry technologies, along with his excellent track record in both regional and global execution. Ryan's expertise in procurement and supply chain improvements is vital as Vertiv seeks to advance its performance in the EMEA region.

Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in production management and a master’s degree in science from the University of Limerick, alongside completing an executive development program at the Kellogg School of Management. This solid educational foundation complements his hands-on industry experience.

In conjunction with these changes, Patrick Grainey, currently a key team member at Vertiv, has been appointed as the acting Chief Procurement Officer and will report directly to Albertazzi while the company embarks on a search for a new Chief Procurement Officer.

Vertiv, headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, operates in over 130 countries, providing solutions that address critical digital infrastructure needs across data centers, communication networks, and commercial facilities. The company continues to enhance its offerings in power, cooling, and IT infrastructure services. For a more in-depth overview of their complete digital infrastructure offerings, visit Vertiv.com.

As Vertiv embarks on this new chapter, the prospects for continued growth in the EMEA region appear promising under Paul Ryan's imminent leadership, equipped with an impressive legacy from Winther, who retires after his impactful years dedicated to the organization. Stakeholders will be keenly observing how this leadership transition unfolds and whether it propels Vertiv to new heights within the critical digital infrastructure landscape.