Schneider Electric Names Annette Clayton to Lead North America Operations

Schneider Electric has named a new leader for its North American operations, based in Andover, Mass. Annette Clayton is the operation’s new president and chief executive officer, North America Operations. Clayton will continue to serve as the group’s chief supply chain officer leading the Global Supply Chain organization a position she has held since joining Schneider in 2011. In her dual capacity, she will remain a member of Schneider Electric’s executive committee.

“Annette has been a transformational leader in our business,” said Jean-Pascal Tricoire, chairman and CEO of Paris-based Schneider Electric. “She has led our supply chain to become one of the most efficient, safe and reliable in the world – transforming it into a strategic advantage for our business and our partners. I am excited to see her bring her leadership skills to our largest region, and one of our biggest market opportunities.”

Before joining Schneider Electric in 2011, Clayton was vice president of global operations at Dell for five years. She also spent 23 years at General Motors, in various roles, including president of Saturn Corp. In her new role at Schneider Electric, she replaces Laurent Vernerey, who has led the North America region for the last three years and concludes a 30-year career at Schneider Electric.

“I am excited to take leadership of our North American business,” said Clayton in a Schneider release. “This market is very dynamic and has evolved as the forerunner in driving innovation across the entire energy value chain. I look forward to driving and supporting this innovation as part of our brand promise, to our customers, partners and employees, as together we lead this new energy landscape.”

Schneider’s North American Operating Division consists of approximately 30,000 employees within 4 business units and a services division, and sales of $7.3 billion in 2015.