Raxio Group appoints Robert Skjødt as CEO

African data center operator Raxio Group has appointed Robert Skjødt as its new CEO.

Skjødt is expected to spearhead Raxio's next phase of expansion, with ambitions to at least double the company's presence across the continent within the next three years, the group said in a statement.

Skjødt will join the company on January 1, 2025, taking over from outgoing CEO Robert Mullins who in October 2023 announced his plans to step down from the role in the second half of 2024.

Mullins will remain an advisor to the company to ensure a seamless transition.

Raxio said that Skjødt brings more than 30 years of experience, with a career that spans leadership roles in major energy, renewables and infrastructure firms worldwide.

For the last decade he has focused on Africa, where he led the creation of BTE, a pan-African renewable energy company, which was acquired by global energy giant Engie in 2023.

Skjødt previously held senior positions at ABB, a global leader in power and automation technologies, where he oversaw complex infrastructure projects and merger and acquisition activity across multiple continents.

Raxio's footprint across Africa

Raxio has a network of Tier III carrier-neutral colocation data centers in Uganda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Côte d'Ivoire and has plans to build data centers in Tanzania and Angola.  

Related:Raxio raises additional $46M for data center growth, CEO plans exit

Under Skjødt's leadership, the company plans to enter additional high-growth markets while increasing its capacity in existing markets to support digital transformation on the continent.

"Our goal is to accelerate Africa's digital growth responsibly. By combining Raxio's expertise in data centre development with sustainable energy practices, we can provide essential infrastructure that not only meets the needs of today but also preserves resources for future generations," Skjødt said in a statement about his appointment.  

Raxio Group Chairman, Frans Van Schaik, said Skjødt's proven track record in pioneering infrastructure projects across Africa aligns perfectly with Raxio's vision for growth.

"His leadership will be pivotal as we scale our operations and enhance our services to meet the evolving needs of our clients," Van Schaik said.

By 2027, Raxio plans to establish data centers in at least five additional African countries, more than doubling its current capacity.

Mullins' exit and the future

The board credited outgoing CEO Mullins with transforming Raxio from a single-project venture into a multi-country operation.

"When we started, our mission was to build one data centre in Uganda," said Mullins.

Related:Raxio launches data center in Mozambique

"Today, Raxio stands as the only operator with a presence in seven African countries. I am confident that under Robert Skjødt's leadership, the company will not only expand its footprint and capacity but also set new standards for sustainability and operational excellence in the industry," Mullins added.

Raxio Group's outgoing CEO Robert Mullins. (Source: Raxio Group)

Raxio's expansion strategy focuses on underserved markets with significant growth potential, providing high-quality, reliable infrastructure in markets which it believes are often overlooked by larger operators.

"As we look to the future, our focus remains on delivering impactful infrastructure that empowers African economic leadership," said Van Schaik.

"With Robert Skjødt at the helm, Raxio is poised to lead the way in sustainable data centre development, ensuring that our growth benefits both our clients and the communities we serve," the chairman concluded.