YEAR-IN-REVIEW: ONNEC HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2023
The end of the year is always a time of reflection and celebration. Through strong connections with our customers and partners, and with the commitment of our global design, project and service delivery teams, 2023 has provided some standout moments. Here are just a few of our highlights:
PHILIPPE HUINCK JOINS ONNEC AS NEW CEO
Back in May, Onnec announced the appointment of Philippe Huinck as its new Chief Executive Officer to drive the company’s international growth agenda and expansion.
Commenting on his new appointment, Philippe said: “I am delighted to be joining Onnec at such an exciting time for the company. It is a business with an impressive customer base, a strong portfolio of services, an expanding global footprint and a talented workforce. I am very much looking forward to connecting with the team, our customers and our partners and supporting the continuation of Onnec’s growth journey.”
ONGOING COMMITMENT TO FUTURE TALENT
Onnec is committed to growing future talent and making our industry more accessible. Following from the 2022 success of our Irish Apprenticeship programme, which received nominations for the Generation Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award, in January Onnec UK launched its new structured cabling apprenticeship programme in partnership with CNet.
“We are passionate about the next-generation of the Onnec workforce. As a rapidly growing organisation, finding and retaining the highest calibre of people is fundamental for the success of our business. Introducing apprentices to the team brings a broader diversity of background and experiences, providing our teams with a fresh perspective.” – David Buchanan, Onnec Operations Manager and UK Apprenticeship Lead.
BETTER CONNECTED
As part of our continuous growth in the European Data Centre market, Onnec expanded memberships of industry associations in Germany and Sweden, joining the German Datacenter Association (GDA) and the Swedish Data Center Industry Association (SDI). Members include end-users, consultants, suppliers, vendors, investors, and research institutes.
“These association and their members are committed to shaping the future of Europe’s Data Centre Industry, and we look forward to playing a major part in that journey.” – Niklas Lindqvist, General Manager at Onnec Sweden.
ONNEC AS NO.1 DATA CENTRE CABLING EXPERT
In October, DataCentre Magazine compiled a Top 10 list of the world’s leading cabling experts serving the data centre industry, naming Onnec as No.1. Leveraging 30 years of unrivalled expertise and working with leading data centre customers and hyperscalers across the globe, our data centre solutions provide end-to-end services for supporting clients through every stage of the infrastructure lifecycle.
AN INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE
For the second year running, the National Centre for Diversity (NCFD) identified Onnec as one of the top companies for inclusive practices. Our new position has seen Onnec rise 23 places since last year, to come 33rd out of 100 UK companies. Keen to keep this momentum going, Onnec’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) committee has continued to grow in size, maintain our Investors in Diversity awards in the UK and Ireland.
In November, Onnec’s Mara Ervin, US Head of Sales and iMasons Regional Chair of US-East hosted an iM Women luncheon at DCD>Connect | Virginia. The exclusive lunch session brought together women from across the data centre industry to discuss with their peers the challenges faced and opportunities ahead in a closed door environment. November also saw Onnec CEO Philippe Huinck present at the UK’s prestigious Women of the Future Programme Awards 2023, as a member of the judges panel.
“At Onnec, we operate in a typically male-dominated industry and we strive to attract more women into the industry and to progress and accelerate the progression of female talent within our company. The good news is that the needle is starting to shift in the right direction, but we still have some way to go. This work is a continuous journey for us as we commit to making a positive impact across sustainability, equality, diversity, and the wider community.” – Philippe Huinck, CEO.
PARTNER RECOGNITION
It’s been a year of growing relationships, new accreditations and training certifications attained with all our strategic partners. From Onnec winning the Panduit UK & Ireland Partner of the Year Award, to our Smart Buildings solution Onnec iQ becoming GRESB, LEED & WELL accredited, 2023 has seen many partner highlights which will pave the way for a successful and collaborative 2024.
This is an incredibly exciting time to be part of our industry. 2023 was one of sustained growth and 2024 looks to be even better. We couldn’t have achieved this without our wonderful global customers, partners and Onnec people. Thank you and we wish you a safe and fun festive period.