Clipsal’s changing of the guard
After 17 years with Clipsal Australia including three years at the company’s helm, Erik Scholz, Executive General Manager is leaving.
Erik, 52 has made a personal decision to retire early, to spend more time with his family and to focus on his family’s business interests. He leaves Clipsal in an outstanding market leadership position with 75% of the electrical accessories market, market leadership in home automation and equal leadership share of the data communications market.
Since taking over the reigns of Clipsal Australia in February 2006, Erik has delivered excellent results for stakeholders, pioneered new markets, achieved market leadership in many categories, integrated key acquisitions, and always with a complete customer focus in mind. Club Clipsal International has flourished under his leadership and now includes over 4000 members. Focal point for the club is the Clipsal 500 which is attended by up to 2000 contractor members each year from all over Australia. Erik was instrumental in leveraging the event to launch the company’s new marketing initiatives to this market. Described by Erik as the “most important date in the Clipsal calendar,” Erik strengthened Clipsal’s hold on the naming rights sponsorship of the state’s flagship sporting event until 2015.
“I have been fortunate to be part of a dynamic and innovative industry. I have enjoyed building exceptional relationships with electrical wholesalers and contractors, and working with many talented people within the company. As Clipsal embarks upon a new era in a new home at Gepps Cross, I wish the company every success for the future.”
Erik has also played a crucial role in the delicate transition of Clipsal from a family business (Gerard Industries) to become part of parent company, Schneider Electric.
“I would like to thank Erik for his many contributions to the business in the Pacific region and beyond, said Lionel Finidori, Managing Director, Schneider Electric Pacific Zone.
“We will certainly miss his passion, his energy and his innovative mind. We also respect his decision and we wish him and his family all the best in this next stage of life.”
Erik Scholz is succeeded by General Manager, Pacific ISC (Installation Systems and Control), Damien Cummins, effective April 14, 2009. Damien brings to the role a wealth of business experience with particular expertise within the sales and marketing disciplines. Damien joined Clipsal in 2003 as the General Manager Datacomms and in mid 2006 Damien moved to lead the Product Development Area as part of Installation Systems and Control business unit, working closely with the commercial businesses across Australia and New Zealand. His passion for the ISC business, his deep knowledge of the strategy and the technology, his proximity with the customers and the teams, together with his recent exposure to Schneider Electric’s global organisation, will help him to lead the next stage of evolution of the ISC Division in Australia.
Media Contact: Alex Beltrame, Clipsal Australia Pty Ltd, Ph: +61 8 8269 0822
For general media inquiries about Clipsal Australia please contact:
- Alex Beltrame,
Media Manager,
+61 8 8269 0822
