Schneider Electric, the world’s most sustainable company and a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, is pleased to announce the appointment of Hilton Baartman as its Digital Energy Director for Anglophone Africa.

An award-winning executive with a diverse background in professional services, energy, water, EPC, and technology sectors, Baartman brings a wealth of experience in leadership, strategy, transformation, and business development.

His career began at Eskom, followed by a managerial role at Digsilent Buyisa, a power system software company. He has since held various leadership roles, including Managing Director of EOH’s consulting engineering cluster and, more recently, as Managing Director for Rural & Mining and co-CEO at Hall Core Water.

In 2023, Baartman won the ICT & Technology category in the TransUnion Rising Star Awards, a national accolade recognising outstanding young professionals under 40. His appointment at Schneider Electric marks a significant step in driving digital energy initiatives and expanding the company’s presence in the region.

“My immediate priority is to understand the business, our key customers, and their needs. I am particularly focused on driving our business in the digital buildings space to create smarter, greener businesses,” says Baartman.

Commenting on Schneider Electric, he says: “It has been everything I expected and so much more. There is a strong drive to achieve our goals and a team of ‘A players’ committed to making a difference.”

As Digital Energy Director, Baartman will play a critical role in shaping Schneider Electric’s digital energy strategy across its Anglophone Africa cluster, ensuring the company continues to deliver innovative solutions that enhance sustainability and efficiency in the region.

Baartman holds a B Eng in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and has completed various leadership development courses through the Institute of Directors of South Africa) (IoDSA), GIBS, and UCT’s GetSmarter programme. He is also a professionally registered engineer (Pr. Eng.) with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).