The business now formerly known as Emerson Network Power has announced the appointment of Rob Johnson as CEO and officially commenced a campaign to rebrand the standalone company as Vertiv.

Vertiv is a global provider of mission-critical infrastructure technologies for vital applications in data centres, communication networks, and commercial and industrial environments. The company, which is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio (USA), has more than 20,000 employees and more than 25 manufacturing and assembly facilities worldwide.

Platinum Equity has acquired the business 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 centre infrastructure.  He was President and CEO of APC when the company was sold to Schneider Electric for $6.1 billion in 2007.  While at APC he also served as General Manager of the company’s Availability Enhancement Group.

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.”

In addition to his career at APC, Mr Johnson has worked in executive positions at Consolidated Container Corporation, a provider of rigid plastic packaging solutions.