12 December 2024
Raxio Group has appointed Robert Skjødt as Chief Executive Officer.
Leveraging his extensive background in management of infrastructure development and operations across Africa, Skjødt will spearhead Raxio’s next phase of expansion, planning to at least double the company’s presence across the continent within the next three years.
Skjødt brings more than 30 years of experience, with a career that spans leadership roles in major energy, renewables and infrastructure firms worldwide. For the last decade he focused on Africa, where he led the creation of BTE, a pan-African renewable energy company, which was acquired by global energy giant Engie in 2023. Skjødt previously held senior positions at ABB, a global leader in power and automation technologies, where he oversaw complex infrastructure projects and M&A activity across multiple continents.
Under Skjødt’s leadership, the company plans to enter additional high-growth markets while increasing its capacity in existing markets to support digital transformation on the continent.
“Our goal is to accelerate Africa’s digital growth responsibly,” said Skjødt. “By combining Raxio’s expertise in data centre development with sustainable energy practices, we can provide essential infrastructure that not only meets the needs of today but also preserves resources for future generations. I’m excited to lead Raxio in expanding our reach and deepening our commitment to environmental stewardship.”
“Robert’s proven track record in pioneering infrastructure projects across Africa aligns perfectly with Raxio’s vision for growth. His leadership will be pivotal as we scale our operations and enhance our services to meet the evolving needs of our clients,” said Frans Van Schaik, Chairman of Raxio Group.
Raxio’s expansion strategy focuses on underserved markets with significant growth potential and is ideally positioned to respond to growing continental and global needs for data centre capacity while minimising electricity and water usage for power and cooling. By 2027, Raxio plans to establish data centres in at least five additional African countries, more than doubling current capacity and solidifying its position as the continent’s leading data centre network. This ambitious growth plan is underpinned by Raxio’s unique track-record of building best-in-class data centres and an uncompromising commitment to customer service, safety and sustainability.
Skjødt, who will join on 1 January, was appointed following a comprehensive search conducted by executive firm Egon Zehnder, reflecting Raxio’s dedication to strategic leadership and continuity. The outgoing CEO, Robert Mullins, transformed Raxio from a single-project venture into a multi-country operation, and will remain an advisor to ensure a seamless transition.
“When we started, our mission was to build one data centre in Uganda,” said Mullins. “Today, Raxio stands as the only operator with a presence in seven African countries. I am confident that under Robert Skjødt’s leadership, the company will not only expand its footprint and capacity but also set new standards for sustainability and operational excellence in the industry.”
