Kavir Sewlall takes the helm at Danfoss Climate Solutions in sub-Saharan Africa By Eamonn Ryan The appointment signals a new era of growth, innovation and energy leadership.
BUSINESS ANALYSIS- PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
Kavir Sewlall takes the helm at Danfoss Climate Solutions in sub-Saharan Africa By Eamonn Ryan The appointment signals a new era of growth, innovation and energy leadership.
Danfoss Climate Solutions has announced the appointment of Kavir Sewlall as senior sales manager for sub-Saharan Africa, marking a significant milestone as the country and broader sub- Saharan region stands at the crossroads of energy transition and sustainability.
“ This role is both a privilege and a responsibility,” says Sewlall.“ It’ s an opportunity to lead an organisation whose values mirror my own and to help shape the next chapter for a region undergoing urgent transformation. Energy efficiency, decarbonisation and digital technologies are now national imperatives in South Africa— creating fertile ground for Danfoss’ solutions and leadership.”
DRIVING GROWTH IN A TRANSFORMING MARKET
Sewlall’ s appointment comes as Danfoss strengthens its footprint across the region.“ We’ re seeing growing demand for sustainable HVAC, refrigeration and industrial automation, while organisations face rising energy costs and stricter efficiency regulations,” he says.“ Appointing someone with deep local experience reflects Danfoss’ intention to translate global expertise into practical, context-specific impact.”
In his first 100 days, Sewlall will focus on deepening customer engagement, aligning internal teams, and positioning Danfoss to lead in energy efficiency and digitalisation.“ The goal isn’ t just to maintain momentum, but to sharpen our relevance in industries where technology and sustainability are reshaping operations.”
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION / AI
Sewlall sees artificial intelligence as a transformative force in HVAC and energy management.
“ In South Africa, where cost pressures and supply interruptions are part of daily life, AI offers a clear path to greater resilience and efficiency,” he says.
A key enabler is Alsense, Danfoss’ cloudbased IoT platform, which uses advanced analytics and machine learning to monitor performance, predict failures, optimise energy use, and enable remote oversight.“ It’ s a shift from reactive maintenance to proactive management, reducing downtime and energy consumption.”
Danfoss is investing in expanding Alsense to integrate with smart buildings, renewable energy systems, and digital ecosystems, making HVAC and refrigeration systems more intelligent, adaptable and future-ready.
FROM ENGINEER TO LEADER – AND HONOURING A MENTOR
Sewlall holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and began his career at Eskom before moving into the refrigeration and HVAC sector. Over seven years at Danfoss, he progressed from technical sales engineer to sales manager and senior sales leader, eventually overseeing operations in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.“ My engineering background, especially in electrical systems, positions me to lead as our industry integrates mechanical and electronic technologies into smarter, connected solutions,” he says.
He also credits his predecessor, Roy Naidoo, who retired after three decades at Danfoss, for shaping his career.“ Roy hired me, mentored me, and shaped my understanding of the refrigeration industry. His guidance went far beyond technical knowledge, he believed in preparing the next generation. I wouldn’ t be here without him.”
Although leadership transitions often bring new philosophies and operational shifts, Sewlall is clear that his approach will balance continuity with refinement. He plans to strengthen Danfoss’ customer-centric culture, accelerate internal and external digitisation, and pursue partnerships that unlock sustainable growth. At the same time, he stresses the need to recognise the diverse realities across sub-Saharan markets, where energy reliability, infrastructure constraints, and regulatory landscapes vary widely. His mandate, he says, is to ensure Danfoss delivers tailored solutions that resonate locally while advancing the company’ s global vision.“ When I look ahead, I see tremendous opportunities in sectors that are critical to South Africa’ s development. Energy efficiency is at the forefront, driven by rising electricity tariffs
Kavir Sewlall as senior sales manager for sub- Saharan Africa.
and grid instability. In the cold chain space, refrigeration will remain vital for food security as agriculture expands, and distribution networks modernise. Industrial automation, particularly in mining and manufacturing, offers another major frontier, with companies seeking smarter, more efficient, and more resilient processes. And in the built environment, green buildings that integrate renewable energy and intelligent HVAC systems will set new benchmarks for sustainability and operational performance. CLA
Supplied by Danfoss South Africa
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COLD LINK AFRICA www. coldlinkafrica. co. za January / February 2026