Raxio Taps Robert Skjødt as CEO to Lead African Expansion

RAXIO Group, Africa’s leading provider of Tier III carrier-neutral data centres, has announced the appointment of Robert Skjødt as its new chief executive officer. Skjødt, a seasoned infrastructure expert with over 30 years of global leadership experience, takes the helm with a mission to double Raxio’s footprint across Africa within the next three years.

With a career spanning energy, renewables, and infrastructure sectors, Skjødt has held pivotal roles worldwide, including a decade focused on Africa. Notably, he founded and led BTE, a pan-African renewable energy company later acquired by Engie in 2023. His tenure at ABB, the global technology leader in electrification and automation, further cemented his reputation, overseeing large-scale infrastructure projects and mergers across continents.

Skjødt’s appointment marks a new chapter for Raxio, which operates state-of-the-art data centres in seven African nations, including Uganda, Ethiopia, and Côte d’Ivoire. Under his leadership, the company plans to expand into five additional countries by 2027, strengthening its position as a cornerstone of Africa’s digital transformation.

‘Our goal is to accelerate Africa’s digital growth responsibly,’ said Skjødt. ‘By blending Raxio’s expertise with sustainable energy practices, we’ll deliver essential infrastructure that meets today’s needs while safeguarding resources for the future.’

Frans Van Schaik, Chairman of Raxio Group, hailed Skjødt’s track record in spearheading infrastructure projects. ‘Robert’s expertise aligns seamlessly with Raxio’s vision. His leadership will be pivotal as we scale operations and adapt to the evolving needs of our clients,’ he said.

Expanding responsibly

Raxio’s strategy is rooted in addressing the digital divide by targeting underserved, high-growth markets. Its facilities are designed with sustainability in mind, minimising electricity and water use while maintaining high reliability. By prioritising these markets, Raxio not only provides cutting-edge data centre services but also catalyses local economic growth and innovation.

Outgoing CEO Robert Mullins, who transitioned Raxio from a single-project venture to a multi-country operator, will stay on as an advisor to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Reflecting on the journey, Mullins remarked, ‘What began as a mission to build one data centre in Uganda has evolved into a presence in seven countries. With Robert Skjødt’s leadership, I’m confident Raxio will continue to set new standards for sustainability and operational excellence.’

Pioneering the future

As the demand for digital infrastructure soars across Africa, Raxio is uniquely positioned to meet the continent’s needs. Its focus on sustainability, customer service, and safety ensures the company delivers impactful infrastructure that supports both clients and communities.

Van Schaik added, ‘With Robert Skjødt at the helm, Raxio is ready to lead the way in sustainable data centre development, ensuring our growth benefits all stakeholders. Our focus remains on empowering African economies through world-class infrastructure.’