Raxio Group, Africa's Most Expansive Data Centre Network, Appoints Robert Skjødt as CEO

AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 2, 2024--

Raxio Group, the data centre provider with the widest footprint across African markets, has appointed Robert Skjødt as Chief Executive Officer. Leveraging his extensive background in management of infrastructure development and operations across Africa, Skjødt will spearhead Raxio's next phase of expansion, planning to at least double the company's presence across the continent within the next three years.

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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 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 M&A activity across multiple continents.

With a network of state-of-the-art Tier III carrier-neutral data centres in Uganda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Tanzania and Angola, Raxio is uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for reliable digital infrastructure in Africa's emerging economies. 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," said Robert Skjødt. "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. I'm excited to lead Raxio in expanding our reach and deepening our commitment to environmental stewardship."

Frans Van Schaik, Chairman of Raxio Group, highlighted the strategic significance of Skjødt's appointment. "Robert'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," he said.

Raxio's expansion strategy focuses on underserved markets with significant growth potential, and is ideally positioned to respond to growing continental and global needs for data centre capacity while minimising electricity and water usage for power and cooling. By 2027, Raxio plans to establish data centres in at least five additional African countries, more than doubling current capacity and solidifying its position as the continent's leading data centre network. This ambitious growth plan is underpinned by Raxio’s unique track-record of building best-in-class data centres and an uncompromising commitment to customer service, safety and sustainability.

Skjødt, who will join Jan. 1, was appointed following a comprehensive search conducted by executive firm Egon Zehnder, reflecting Raxio's dedication to strategic leadership and continuity. The outgoing CEO, Robert Mullins, transformed Raxio from a single-project venture into a multi-country operation, and will remain an advisor to ensure a seamless transition.

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

Raxio Group's unique approach bridges the digital divide by providing high-quality, reliable infrastructure in markets often overlooked by larger operators. This strategy fosters local economic development and innovation by enabling businesses and institutions to access world-class data centre services.

"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."

About Raxio Group

Raxio Group is Africa’s premier provider of Tier III carrier-neutral colocation data centres, offering reliable and scalable infrastructure to support the continent's digital transformation. With facilities in Uganda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Tanzania, and Angola, Raxio delivers high-quality services that enable businesses and institutions to thrive in the digital age. Committed to sustainability and innovation, Raxio empowers economic growth across Africa.

Outgoing Raxio CEO, Robert Mullins (Photo: Business Wire)

Raxio Group appoints Robert Skjødt as CEO (Photo: Business Wire)

LONDON (AP) — Many of us have felt it, and now it’s official: “brain rot” is Oxford dictionaries’ word of the year.

Oxford University Press said Monday that the evocative phrase “gained new prominence in 2024,” with its frequency of use increasing 230% from the year before.

Oxford defines brain rot as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging.”

The word of the year is intended to be “a word or expression that reflects a defining theme from the past 12 months.”

“Brain rot” was chosen by a combination of public vote and language analysis by Oxford lexicographers. It beat five other finalists: demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy and lore.

While it may seem a modern phenomenon, the first recorded use of “brain rot” was by Henry David Thoreau in his 1854 ode to the natural world, “Walden.”

Oxford Languages President Casper Grathwohl said that in its modern sense, “’brain rot’ speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life, and how we are using our free time.”

“It feels like a rightful next chapter in the cultural conversation about humanity and technology. It’s not surprising that so many voters embraced the term, endorsing it as our choice this year,” he said.

Last year’s Oxford word of the year was “rizz,” a riff on charisma, used to describe someone’s ability to attract or seduce another person.

Collins Dictionary’s 2024 word of the year is “brat” – the album title that became a summer-living ideal.

FILE -People watch a breaking competition hosted by Supreme Beingz at the Mercury Lounge, June 7, 2019, in New York.(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)