Emerson Network Power is ‘Vertiv’

The business now formerly known as Emerson Network Power has appointed Rob Johnson as CEO and officially commenced a campaign to rebrand the standalone company as Vertiv and aims to focus on speed, technology innovation and growth, with added flexibility to serve expanding markets for cloud computing, mobile networking

Platinum Equity acquired the business today from Emerson in a transaction valued in excess of $4 billion. Emerson also retained a minority interest in the company.
Mr. Johnson, most recently an operating partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, spent 10 years at American Power Conversion (APC), a leader in data center infrastructure. He was President and CEO of APC when the company was sold to Schneider Electric for $6.1 billion in 2007. Bryan Kelln, partner and president of portfolio operations at Platinum Equity, said Mr. Johnson’s leadership skills and technical expertise make him a perfect fit to lead Vertiv.

“Rob has a unique blend of industry knowledge, operational acumen and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Mr. Kelln. “This is a transformational opportunity for the company and we believe Rob is the right leader to grow the business as we establish a culture focused on speed, innovation and customer service.”

Mr. Johnson said the transition to new ownership provides a unique opportunity for the company.
“It’s a fresh start for a business that already has so much going for it. I look forward to working with my new colleagues at Vertiv as we begin this transformational chapter in the company’s history,” said Mr. Johnson. “As an independent company, Vertiv will operate with great freedom to make business strategy and investment decisions, move more quickly like a startup, and focus on innovative solutions for our customers, including those in the growing cloud computing, mobile and IoT networks.”