In the fast-paced world of electrical solutions, one company stands out as a beacon of innovation and transformation. Socomec Group, led by Asia CEO O'NielDissanayake, has been revolutionizing the industry since its establishment in 1922. With a global presence and a commitment to sustainability and digitalization, Socomec Group has set its sights on becoming a global player, deeply rooted in the Asia Pacific region. This article takes a closer look at the journey of Socomec Group and its visionary leader, exploring their strategic plans, challenges, achievements, and the driving force behind their success.

From IT to Electrical Industry: A Journey of Versatility:

O'NielDissanayake's professional journey has been characterized by versatility and adaptability. Born in Sri Lanka, he received his education in three different countries—Sri Lanka, India, and Sweden—specializing in engineering and marketing. Starting his career in the IT sector as a service engineer, he quickly transitioned into sales and marketing roles. After spending two years in the IT industry, Dissanayake made a pivotal shift to the electrical industry, where he has dedicated the past 24 years of his career. He has gained extensive experience in sales, marketing, product development and management, strategy, industrial and technology transfers, and M&A. Dissanayake's diverse background has equipped him with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the industry's nuances.

CEO Role at Socomec: Seizing Opportunities for Growth and Transformation:

Taking on the role of Asia CEO at Socomec Group was a natural progression for O'NielDissanayake. Having competed with Socomec as a competitor for over 20 years, he was well-acquainted with the company's strengths and weaknesses. Recognizing the immense growth potential within the Asia Pacific region, Dissanayake saw an opportunity to bring his expertise and drive transformation within Socomec. Joining at the start of the strategic planning process, he meticulously assessed the company's position, conducted a SWOT analysis, and formulated a clear vision for the next four years.

Socomec Group: Pioneers of Innovation:

Founded in 1922 and headquartered in France, Socomec Group has established itself as an international organization with a global presence. The company boasts a workforce of over four thousand professionals, spanning seven continents, and excels in research and development, manufacturing, sales, and after-sales service. Known for its history of innovation, Socomec Group has been a driving force in critical power conversion solutions, bringing efficiency to essential applications such as Data Centers. Their low-voltage solutions facilitate the transition to renewable energy sources, enabling clients to manage multiple electricity sources effectively. With a commitment to innovation embedded in its DNA, Socomec Group allocates a remarkable 8% of its revenue towards research and development, ensuring the continuous evolution of their offerings.

Challenges and Opportunities: A Digital and Sustainable Future:

The future of the energy sector is set to be more electric, digital, and sustainable. Socomec Group acknowledges the accelerating demand for electricity driven by the digital economy, which, in turn, amplifies the need for renewable energy sources. By leveraging their expertise and innovative solutions, Socomec Group is well-positioned to address these challenges and seize the accompanying opportunities. Their focus on critical power conversion products, digitalization, and engineering solutions enables them to provide efficient and sustainable offerings. As the world shifts towards a greener future, Socomec Group stands at the forefront of driving change and empowering organizations to embrace renewable energy sources.

The Transformation Journey: A Clear Strategy for Global Growth:

Socomec Group's strategy is centered around becoming a global player deeply rooted in the Asia Pacific region. To achieve this, they are bolstering their manufacturing capabilities in the region and tailoring their offerings to meet the specific needs of the local market. Recognizing the importance of talent development, Socomec Group has initiated steps to enhance competencies, both in hard and soft skills, ensuring a strong workforce capable of driving growth. A digital transformation roadmap is also underway, focusing on internal process digitization, IoT integration, and implementing Industry 4.0 principles in their global supply chain. Socomec Group's commitment to fostering a family-like culture and upholding their core values of Responsibility, Openness, and Commitment further ensures sustainable growth while prioritizing the well-being of their employees and the environment.

While humility and teamwork are paramount to O'NielDissanayake, Socomec Group has achieved significant milestones under his leadership. Within the first year, they established a regional competency center in Shanghai, China, accelerating their localization plan and creating offerings tailored to the APAC region. This move enabled the successful launch of their UPS offering in China's non-IT channel markets. Furthermore, Socomec Group initiated two regional-level leadership development programs, nurturing young talents and creating a pipeline for future leaders. As they move forward, completing ongoing initiatives and facilitating employee growth and transformation remain top priorities. Key measurements of success for their strategic plan include sourcing over 60% of products from APAC plants by 2025.

Leadership Lessons: Insights from O'NielDissanayake:

O'NielDissanayake's journey as a CEO has taught him invaluable lessons that he willingly shares. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the company's past decisions and current position before setting objectives. Listening to employees and maintaining open lines of communication are crucial for effective decision-making. Dissanayake advises leaders to prioritize long-term benefits over short-term gains and remain committed to their vision. He firmly believes in nurturing talent, creating a supportive environment for creativity and growth, and serving the people within his care. Dissanayake's leadership philosophy resonates with Socomec Group's core values, driving the company towards excellence. Socomec Group, under the guidance ofAsiaCEO O'NielDissanayake, is a force to be reckoned with in the electrical industry. With a rich history of innovation, a clear strategic plan, and a commitment to sustainability and digitalization, Socomec Group is poised for remarkable growth and transformation. By embracing the challenges of a digital and sustainable future, Socomec Group continues to shape the industry, while empowering their employees and serving their customers. As they journey forward, Socomec Group is steadfast in their mission to revolutionize the energy landscape and become a global leader rooted in the Asia Pacific region.