www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I October 2024 15
Business
A NEW CHAPTER FOR ebm-papst SA AS MD KEVIN PETRIE RETIRES
By Eamonn Ryan
ebm-papst South Africa bids farewell to Kevin Petrie , who stepped into retirement on 1 September after a remarkable 37-year career , to be replaced by Steven Friedmann .
RACA Journal takes the moment to reflect on his exceptional journey and contributions . Kevin , who began his career with the company as a sales engineer in December 1987 , has been a cornerstone of the organisation ’ s growth and success . His tenure as managing director , starting in April 2013 , has been marked by visionary leadership and unwavering dedication .
Over nearly four decades , he has seen the company evolve in South Africa from its early days as Ziehl-ebm into the globally recognised ebm-papst . Under his stewardship , the company has not only maintained but significantly expanded its market presence in a highly competitive industry .
He entered the field with a foundation in technical drawing , which laid the groundwork for his future successes .
The company also warmly welcomes Steven Friedmann as the new MD . He brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles , including his tenure as MD at Elbro AG and as regional manager at Ziehl-ebm . Having joined ebm-papst in May 2015 as sales director , Friedmann has worked closely with Kevin over recent months , ensuring a smooth transition .
In particular , over the past 11 years Kevin has been instrumental in driving the company ' s growth and success . Steven notes some of the highlights of Petrie ’ s remarkable career :
Strategic growth and expansion : Under Kevin ' s leadership , ebm-papst South Africa has seen substantial growth . He successfully navigated the company through new market opportunities and introduced innovative products . His strategic vision helped the company expand its market presence and adapt to changing industry dynamics .
Organisational restructuring : One of Kevin ’ s significant achievements was restructuring the organisation to focus on core products and markets . This move involved streamlining operations by phasing out local manufacturing and assembly , which allowed the company to concentrate on its core strengths and increase market share .
Transition to APAC region : In a major strategic shift , ebm-papst South Africa transitioned from reporting under the European division to becoming part of the Asia-Pacific ( APAC )
All images supplied by ebm-papst
region . Kevin played a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition to this new management structure , aligning the company with broader regional strategies .
Implementation of new ERP system : Kevin oversaw the implementation of a new ERP system in 2014 / 15 , a crucial step in modernising the company ’ s internal processes . The transition to a more advanced system has positioned ebm-papst South Africa at the forefront of CRM and ERP integration , enhancing operational efficiency .
Strengthening customer relationships : Kevin had an exceptional ability to build and maintain strong relationships with top customers . His long-standing connections , some extending over 30 years , have been instrumental in the company ’ s success . His dedication to customer satisfaction
Wendy and Kevin Petrie .
His strategic vision helped the company expand its market presence and adapt to changing industry dynamics .
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I October 2024 15