New name and CEO for Emerson Network Power

The business formerly known as Emerson Network Power has announced a name change and the appointment of a new CEO after acquisition by Platinum Equity. Emerson retained a minority interest in the company under the new arrangement.

ENP will rebrand as Vertiv and continue as a stand-alone company to provide mission-critical infrastructure technologies for applications in data centres, communication networks, and commercial and industrial environments.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the company employs over 20,000 staff and encompasses 25 manufacturing and assembly facilities worldwide.

Johnson, most recently an operating partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, spent 10 years at American Power Conversion (APC), a leader in data centre infrastructure. He was president and CEO of APC when the company was sold to Schneider Electric for US$6.1 billion in 2007. While at APC, he also served as general manager of the company’s Availability Enhancement Group.

Bryan Kelln, partner and president of portfolio operations at Platinum Equity, said Johnson’s leadership skills and technical expertise make him a perfect fit to lead Vertiv.

“Rob has a unique blend of industry knowledge, operational acumen and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Kelln.

“This is a transformational opportunity for the company and we believe Rob is the right leader to grow the business as we establish a culture focused on speed, innovation and customer service,” he said.

Johnson said the transition to new ownership provides a unique opportunity for the company.

“It’s a fresh start for a business that already has so much going for it. I look forward to working with my new colleagues at Vertiv as we begin this transformational chapter in the company’s history.

“As an independent company, Vertiv will operate with great freedom to make business strategy and investment decisions, move more quickly like a start-up and focus on innovative solutions for our customers, including those in the growing cloud computing, mobile and IoT networks,” Johnson said.

Vertiv will build on the broad portfolio of product and service offerings for power, thermal and IT management capabilities it previously offered as Emerson Network Power.