Vertiv announces leadership transition in EMEA region
Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global leader in critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has announced a key leadership transition in its Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. Karsten Winther, current President of Vertiv EMEA, will retire effective December 31, 2025, after a distinguished tenure. Paul Ryan, currently serving as Chief Procurement Officer, will succeed him as President, EMEA, starting January 1, 2026.
“Karsten has made impactful contributions to Vertiv during his tenure, particularly in strengthening our EMEA region through complex market dynamics,” said Giordano Albertazzi, CEO of Vertiv. “His strong leadership, deep market understanding, and ability to build lasting customer relationships have been critical to our success.”
Winther will continue in his current role through the end of 2025 to ensure a smooth transition. Since joining Vertiv, he has progressed from regional sales leadership to executive management, driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and profitability across EMEA.
Ryan brings over 20 years of industry experience, including more than eight years leading Vertiv’s global procurement and supply chain operations. As Chief Procurement Officer and Vice President of Global Procurement and Supply Chain, he led a major transformation to enhance supply chain resilience, service levels, and innovation. Previously, Ryan held senior leadership roles at Emerson Network Power (now Vertiv), including Vice President of Operations for EMEA, Vice President and Managing Director for Asia Pacific, and Vice President of Global Operations and Supply Chain for Data Center Solutions.
Albertazzi added, “Paul’s vast experience, commercial acumen, and proven record in global execution make him the ideal leader to build upon the strong foundation in our EMEA region. His appointment reflects Vertiv’s commitment to internal talent development and its high-performance culture. I am confident Paul will continue to accelerate regional growth and success.”
Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in Production Management and a master’s degree in Science (Mathematics) from the University of Limerick, and he completed the Executive Development Program at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.
In a related development, Patrick Grainey has been appointed Acting Chief Procurement Officer, reporting directly to CEO Giordano Albertazzi, while Vertiv begins recruitment for a permanent successor.
