Have you ever wondered what the industry's influential figures have on their desks? From an autographed Muhammad Ali photo to a multifunction power meter, find out more about Schneider Electric's UK & Ireland Managing Director by exploring what is on his desktop.
Born and Raised: Auckland, New Zealand
Education & Qualifications: Electrical Engineering Cadetship – Auckland University of Technology
Employment History:
Turnbull & Jones Limited – Project Engineer
Schneider Electric New Zealand (which acquired Turnbull & Jones)
• Marketing Manager
• Sales Manager
• Country Manager
Schneider Electric Australia – Country Manager
Schneider Electric South East Asia – Zone Director
Schneider Electric UK & Ireland – Managing Director
Goals for Schneider Electric: “This is a long established business, so we need to make sure that the company continues to grow and offers more solutions,” said Stuart. “Schneider Electric is the global specialist in energy management. This will remain the key focus for us... helping customers all over the world to make the most of their energy.”
Goals for the Industry: “We need to take a far stronger position in carbon reduction and sustainability, make a meaningful contribution and transform what is happening now,” said Stuart. “This will ensure competitiveness for both the industry and this country.”
Favourite Movie: Get Shorty - Barry Sonnenfeld
Stuart is a fan of author Elmore Leonard, who wrote Get Shorty the novel, which the film is based on.
Favourite Song: Midnight Rambler – Rolling Stones
Stuart has seen the band live several times.
Morning Ritual: Stuart always starts his day with a Nespresso coffee.
1. Paperweight: This psychedelic glass paperweight was given to Stuart as a gift from his mother, so it has great sentimental value.
2. PowerLogic PM1200: Part of a new range, this multifunction power meter provides all the basic features needed to monitor an electrical circuit affordably. “With energy efficiency, power metering is what comes first,” said Stuart.
3. Muhammad Ali Photo: This autographed photograph of boxing champion Muhammad Ali was taken when he beat Sonny Liston. Stuart is a fan of Muhammad Ali and “admires his spirit”. When Stuart bought the photo (around 20 years ago), he sent it to the famous boxer to be signed – and Muhammad Ali actually signed and returned it!
4. Buddha Figurine: A friend gave this to Stuart as a Christmas gift over ten years ago. He was told that the figurine should always face the door to bring in good luck, money and orders.
5. Scale Rule: Stuart needed one of these as an engineer, so out of habit he still keeps one on his desk. “I always keep one near me even though I don’t get to use it as often as I would like to,” said Stuart.
6. Power Pack and USB Stick: Stuart’s job has him on-the-go quite often, so the power pack allows him to charge his mobile if there isn’t anywhere to plug in. And the USB stick allows him to carry and transfer important business documents with ease and provides backup just in case his computer ever fails.
7. iPhone: “My iPhone is an important device that allows my emails to always be available (unfortunately),” laughed Stuart.
8. iPod: With Stuart’s extensive travelling, he uses this technology to store his music and photos.
9. Glasses: Stuart needs to wear glasses for reading. “I am completely lost without them,” said Stuart.
10. Pen: This Montblanc pen was given to Stuart as a leaving gift from his colleagues at Schneider Electric in Singapore.
11. Calculator: Stuart’s calculator is a key component on his desk. “So much about what I do is with numbers,” said Stuart.
12. Registration Plate: This was taken from Stuart’s scooter in Singapore. “Traffic is a bit crazy there,” said Stuart. “You need to ride faster than the flow of traffic and dodge thunderstorms.”
13. Schneider Electric Website – Energy Efficient Solutions Area: Here you can view energy efficiency solutions and applications to make the most of your energy. (will be hyperlinked on Voltimum)
14. Family Photograph: This picture is of Stuart and his two children, Jim and Izzy. It was taken a few years ago in New Zealand whilst they were just hanging out.