Schneider Electric: Olivier Blum leads from Dubai to boost emerging markets

The new CEO of Schneider Electric, Olivier Blum, moves to Dubai to oversee growth in India and the Middle East, strategic regions for the company's energy and digital transition efforts.

Share:

The French group Schneider Electric, a global leader in electrical equipment and energy management, recently announced a strategic shift in its governance. Olivier Blum, the company’s new CEO, is now based in Dubai, a location chosen for its proximity to key markets such as India and the Middle East.

This decision is part of a strategy to seize opportunities linked to growing urbanization and the acceleration of the energy transition in these regions. According to a Schneider Electric spokesperson, India, which ranks third in terms of the company’s revenue alongside France, and the Middle East offer significant growth potential.

A proven strategy in the past

This strategic relocation is not a first for the company. Between 2006 and 2023, former CEO Jean-Pascal Tricoire resided in Hong Kong to strengthen Schneider Electric’s presence in Asia, particularly in China, now the company’s second-largest market after the United States.

Dubai was chosen as Olivier Blum’s operational base for its proximity to the strategic hubs of the Middle East and South Asia. The goal is to enhance ties with these regions while maintaining close interaction with the teams based in France.

The headquarters remain in France

Despite this internationalization of executive roles, Schneider Electric confirms that its headquarters will remain in Rueil-Malmaison, France. “There is no discussion about this,” the spokesperson stated, reaffirming the company’s commitment to its historical roots.

Olivier Blum, who was already overseeing energy management from Dubai prior to his promotion, will continue to travel frequently between Paris and other strategic hubs. The “hub” organization, implemented a decade ago, remains a core element of the company’s operational model.

Strong financial results

This decentralization strategy is accompanied by solid financial performance. Schneider Electric recorded a record turnover of €9.3 billion in the third quarter of 2024. This growth is mainly driven by innovative solutions offered in the fields of energy and digital transition.

With increasing demand for equipment and services in these sectors, the group’s positioning in emerging markets aligns with global needs. The management aims to strengthen its competitiveness while diversifying its revenue streams.

Eni announces a sharp decline in quarterly net profit, the result of lower oil prices and a weaker dollar, while maintaining a strengthened dividend policy and a development trajectory in renewables.
EDF is reassessing its industrial priorities and streamlining investments, as net profit falls to €5.47bn ($5.94bn) in the first half of 2025 due to a weakening electricity market.
Energy group Edison posts increased sales and investments despite a less favourable market environment, advancing its renewables development and strengthening its positions in Italy.
SEGULA Technologies opens an office in Cape Town, strengthening its presence in the African market and targeting expansion in energy, rail, and automotive sectors, in partnership with South African industrial firm AllWeld.
GE Vernova's revenue rose by 11% in the second quarter, driven by momentum in its Power activities, as the US group raised its financial targets for 2025.
The Allrig group is expanding its operations in Saudi Arabia, supported by AstroLabs, to boost energy efficiency and address the growing needs of the local oil sector.
Saipem and Subsea7 formalise their merger agreement, resulting in the creation of Saipem7, an international energy services player with consolidated revenue of €21bn and an order backlog of €43bn.
TotalEnergies reports a significant decrease in net profit and revenue for the second quarter, while relying on growth in its hydrocarbon and electricity production to sustain profitability and global ambitions.
Exus Renewables North America finalizes $308.2 million financing for two major solar portfolios in New Mexico and wind projects in Pennsylvania, showcasing the expansion of large-scale renewable assets across multiple U.S. markets.
Baker Hughes posted attributable net income of $701 mn in the second quarter, while executing several strategic transactions and strengthening its position in industrial technologies and oilfield services markets.
Equinor announces a 13% decline in adjusted profit for Q2 2025, driven by falling oil prices, despite rising gas prices and production.
Iberdrola launches a EUR5 billion (USD5.87 billion) capital increase to fund the expansion and modernization of its power grids in the UK and the US, while announcing a decline in its half-year profit.
Halliburton reports a 50% drop in net income and nearly a 6% reduction in revenue for Q2, with demand in North America remaining particularly weak.
The growth of data centres and artificial intelligence is putting unprecedented pressure on global electricity grids, prompting major tech companies to rethink their energy supply to address capacity and competitiveness challenges.
BP announces the appointment of Albert Manifold as chairman, succeeding Helge Lund. Manifold, former CEO of CRH, will join the board on September 1, before officially taking over the role on October 1.
Romanian company Electrica raised €500 million through the country's first green bond issuance, with participation from the European Investment Bank (EIB), to finance its renewable energy and storage projects.
Kem One and EDF signed a protocol agreement for a 10-year electricity supply contract, covering seven French industrial sites. The contract is expected to be finalised by the end of September 2025.
The Canadian energy solutions provider has received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange to repurchase up to 10% of its float by July 2026.
The Marseille Commercial Court has validated Bourbon Group’s accelerated safeguard plans, paving the way for a debt reduction and shareholder transition by the end of 2025.
Legrand now expects annual revenue growth of 10 to 12%, driven by data centre momentum, with an immediate impact on its share price in Paris.