I have often been described as having a 'Maverick' mindset, which I interpret as a commitment to strategic disruption and driving innovative solutions. This approach aligns seamlessly with Itron's culture, enabling us to quickly enhance solutions and services for clients.

My Itron journey began in June 2023. As Area Vice President, I lead a team focused on growth initiatives in EMEA, bringing Itron's most innovative solutions to market. This role immediately felt like a perfect fit for me. It presented an opportunity to leverage my experience, while leaving space to learn more about the energy sector, still with the constant drive to reach ambitious objectives. At Itron, I've recognized a deeper purpose: supporting 'customers', a term that in this company takes on the broadest possible sense. 

The term 'customer-centric' has become ubiquitous, often dismissed as mere jargon. However, I view it as a foundational principle, akin to a deeply held belief. True customer centricity defies easy measurement; it cannot be quantified by rigid targets or acquired through basic training. Rather, it's a fusion of inherent inclination and a disciplined, strategic approach, cultivated at both the individual and organizational levels. This seemingly straightforward concept reveals its complexity when trying to embed deeply within a company, requiring the engagement of every employee and a robust foundation of diverse initiatives.

Who, then, is Itron's 'customer'? We recognize an enduring connection to the positive impact we have on businesses and, crucially, on our planet. We are acutely aware of the data indicating that time is running short. Why can't we afford to wait in empowering our customers to protect vital resources, energy and water? In 2023, renewable energy sources generated approximately 30% of the world's electricity, and this contribution is set to increase. However, global energy demand is projected to rise by about 47% by 2050. Fossil fuels still contribute the majority and we will have to approach the issue with different techniques that produce more green energy while managing it smartly.

Considering that by 2050, achieving carbon neutrality will require a 50-60% reduction in global CO2 emissions compared to current levels, and without energy efficiency, the global average temperature could rise by over 2.5°C by 2100 with catastrophic consequences, the imperative for action becomes clear. 

I understand why “customer-centricity” acquires a wider meaning. It’s more about 'planet-centricity,' as guiding principles that we embrace at all levels within Itron. I also understand how critical it is to support utilities and cities in adopting solutions that enable them to cope with emerging trends, such as the adoption of electric vehicles and electric heating systems, and the need for renewal of energy infrastructures. These upgrades must be flexible, resilient, secure and intelligent, capable of managing peak demand and addressing the growing impact of extreme weather on our communities.

My team was formed upon my arrival with highly motivated and capable professionals. My first step was to establish cross-functional teams with colleagues from various departments. We enhanced initiatives, resolved inhibitors to success, reorganized toward a common goal and consistently deliver higher value-add services and solutions that address a broader set of challenges for utilities and cities. 
Our contribution focuses on providing customers with usage data and insights, forecasting solutions, and the ability to automate processes. We deploy use cases at the edge of the infrastructure, transforming meters into small computers running applications to meet customer needs.

A core belief I instill in my team is: 'If you're dissatisfied with the status quo, drive the change.' While seemingly obvious, this principle fosters a culture of ownership and empowers us to achieve exceptional results. Ultimately, our success hinges on a collective dedication to customer-centricity and planet-centricity, working together to create a brighter, more resourceful world.

Meet Our People

Meet Our People is an Itron series highlighting the amazing humans who contribute to our company’s purpose to create a more resourceful world and help make Itron a great place to work. Profile content is written by each individual and authentic to their personal employee experience and how they uphold Itron’s values every day.

ITRON’S VALUES & BEHAVIORS      INCLUSION AT ITRON