It was the sheer scale of its data centres that initially attracted me to Global Switch, and the opportunity to be part of a company that is continuing to expand its footprint in a sector that is now mission-critical to the global digital economy. I knew this was somewhere I could have a direct impact. Global Switch has executed a very clear strategy that has focused on prime locations in the Tier 1 markets of Europe and Asia-Pacific and has grown to become one of the most trusted data centre brands in the market with a truly diverse customer base. I am very much looking forward to building on the company’s success.
Ultimately, we need to ensure our customers have the right facility at the right price in the right place. That is where every investment decision has to lead. Getting there is a combination of listening to customers and their needs and requirements, and also being one step ahead so we can anticipate where they will need us next and what product and services they will require.
Obviously, the technology side of things is shifting constantly. Racks are becoming denser, operational temperatures are rising – and in response Global Switch has been redeveloping and power densifying a number of its data centres. So while we have world-class infrastructure, I work very closely with our global technical teams to make sure we are delivering it in the way that meets our customers’ sometimes complex requirements. And that is on top of other considerations such as finding the right parcel of land, permitting issues and tax implications etcetera. For a new investment to happen particularly on the scale of Global Switch, a lot of jigsaw pieces need to fall into place.
Global Switch has built a very strong presence in Europe and Asia-Pacific and we will continue to consolidate our position by exploring opportunities to further build our presence in Tier 1 markets, as appropriate opportunities arise.
Over the course of the next year, I plan to build my team so that I do not have to be in quite so many places at once! My pitch to potential hires is the same reason I came here – join a company with a really strong pedigree and one where you can actively help grow the business. That says it all, really.
