Vertiv has announced a leadership transition in its Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region as Karsten Winther prepares to retire from his role as president, effective December 31, 2025. Paul Ryan, currently serving as chief procurement officer, will assume the position starting January 1, 2026. The announcement marks a significant step in Vertiv’s succession planning, ensuring continuity and sustained growth within one of its most critical regions.
During his tenure, Winther has been instrumental in strengthening Vertiv’s market position across EMEA, steering the business through complex industry dynamics, driving operational excellence, and nurturing a culture of innovation and customer focus. His leadership has been pivotal in building long-term relationships and enhancing profitability across diverse markets. As he transitions toward retirement, Winther will continue to guide the regional leadership team, ensuring a smooth and strategic handover.
Paul Ryan brings over two decades of experience in global operations, procurement, and supply chain management. Over the past eight years, he has led Vertiv’s global procurement transformation, improving supply chain resilience, service levels, and operational efficiency. His previous roles at Emerson Network Power (now Vertiv) — including leadership positions in EMEA, Asia Pacific, and global operations — demonstrate his deep expertise in managing complex international markets and driving sustainable business performance.
Vertiv CEO Giordano Albertazzi expressed confidence in Ryan’s leadership, citing his commercial acumen, proven track record in global execution, and strong grasp of Vertiv’s technologies and markets. He emphasized that Ryan’s appointment is a testament to Vertiv’s commitment to developing internal talent and fostering a high-performance culture that prioritizes innovation, resilience, and long-term value creation for customers and stakeholders.
As part of the leadership update, Vertiv also announced that Patrick Grainey has been appointed acting chief procurement officer, reporting directly to Albertazzi, while the company begins recruitment for the permanent role. These changes reflect Vertiv’s focus on continuity, strategic execution, and growth, reinforcing its leadership in critical digital infrastructure and data center solutions worldwide.
