Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has announced a leadership transition in its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) business. Karsten Winther, president of Vertiv EMEA, will retire at the end of 2025 after a distinguished tenure with the company. He will be succeeded by Paul Ryan, Vertiv’s current chief procurement officer, effective January 1, 2026.
The company confirmed that Winther will remain in his role until December 31, 2025, ensuring a smooth handover. Since joining Vertiv, Winther has played a significant role in strengthening the EMEA business, navigating complex market conditions and driving growth and operational excellence across the region.
“Karsten has made impactful contributions to Vertiv during his tenure, particularly in strengthening our EMEA region through complex market dynamics,” said Vertiv CEO Giordano Albertazzi. “His strong leadership and passion for growing our business and our people, combined with his deep understanding of the market and ability to build lasting customer relationships, have been critical to our success.”
Winther advanced through key commercial and leadership roles at Vertiv, progressing from regional sales to executive management, and is credited with enhancing profitability and supporting strategic business transformation across EMEA.
Ryan, who brings more than two decades of industry experience, previously led global procurement and supply chain operations at Vertiv and Emerson Network Power. His experience spans executive roles across EMEA and Asia Pacific, including vice president of operations and managing director positions. At Vertiv, he guided a major procurement transformation, strengthening supply chain resilience and elevating service delivery.
“Paul’s vast experience with our industry and technologies, commercial acumen, proven track record in leading regional and global execution, combined with his expertise in advancing global supply chains and procurement, makes him the ideal leader to build upon the strong foundation established in our EMEA region,” Albertazzi added. “His appointment reflects his impressive results and the momentum of Vertiv’s high-performance culture.”
Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in production management and a master’s degree in science from the University of Limerick, and completed executive training at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Vertiv also appointed Patrick Grainey as acting chief procurement officer with immediate effect, reporting directly to Albertazzi, while the company initiates a global search to permanently fill the role.
//Staff writer
