Erik Scholz - Celebrating 17 years of Clipsal magic
On Wednesday evening, April 8 Clipsal bid farewell to its Executive General Manager, Erik Scholz.
Approximately 100 guests consisting of staff, former employees, members of the Gerard Corporation, Scholz family members, contractor and wholesaler customers gathered to celebrate Erik’s enormous contribution to Clipsal Australia with the theme, “17 years of Clipsal magic.”
Past and present top management within the company paid tribute to Erik. General Manager of Sales and Commercial, David McGary initiated proceedings. David described Erik as an icon of the electrical industry.
“No one commands greater respect than Erik amongst customers and wholesalers. He has developed fantastic relationships with them all over many years and he is without doubt the best negotiator and strategist that I have seen.”
Former Executive General Manager of Clipsal and now Executive General Manager of Gerard Corporation, Simon Gerard echoed those sentiments.
“Erik came to us in 1991 at a time when the company was looking to increase its top management expertise. His contribution has helped make Clipsal the great brand that it is today.”
Simon admitted that he was in awe of Erik when he arrived and his respect for Erik only increased with time.
“I always looked forward to meeting customers alongside Erik. He is so astute. We worked hard together but we also had a lot of fun.”
Simon also revealed to guests how Erik led the company in the 12 months leading to the sale of the Clipsal brand to Schneider Electric. “While I was preparing the business for sale, it was Erik who continued to drive the business and ensured that it was in such great shape prior to handover. The Gerard family will never forget what Erik did during that period.”
Schneider Electric Managing Director Pacific Zone, Lionel Finidori also praised Erik for his role ensuring a smooth transition of the company from a family business into a Schneider Electric entity. Lionel thanked Erik for his passion for the business and his great and innovative ideas.
“Erik is respected by all of us at Schneider Electric. His views are always different or from left field and makes us see things in ways we would not have.”
Erik’s successor, General Manager, Product Development, Damien Cummins said that he had big shoes to fill in Erik’s wake but vowed to stay true to Clipsal’s core customer focus.
“I am not Erik, Simon or Robert. But we will continue to make decisions from the customer back.”
A humbled Erik then took to the stage, describing his decision to retire as the toughest in his life. But he felt a need to readdress his personal life balance. Erik reflected on his 17 years with Clipsal and the responsibility he had inherited.
“I was always acutely aware of those who had gone before me, the Gerard family, and my predecessor John Harris. They started the total customer focus in the 1960s. The company’s DNA was formed back then and where we now derive the Clipsal magic.”
Erik recalled his first interview with Robert Gerard and John Harris, stories with Simon Gerard, the great sponsorships, the success of Club Clipsal International, the support from Schneider and the evolution of the business and how it has branched out beyond traditional electrical accessories.
The night culminated with some remarkable gifts presented to Erik. These included a 1955 bottle of Grange marking Erik’s year of birth, a football signed by Erik’s boyhood football idol, Ron Barassi and a commemorative signed book of photos and messages.
Good luck and farewell Erik, the company is forever grateful to your legacy.
Media Contact: Alex Beltrame, Clipsal Australia Pty Ltd, Ph: +61 8 8161 0822
For general media enquiries about Clipsal please contact:
- Alex Beltrame,
Media Manager,
+61 8 8161 0822
