About Schneider Electric’s New Automation & European Leaders

Schneider Electric is the global leader in energy management, automation and digital transformation.

It works to promote sustainability and efficiency across its global operations and supply chains.

Schneider Electric has been awarded the number one spot in Sustainability Magazine’s Top 250 World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025.

As a company focused on growth, it has searched for key experienced leaders to support its transformation efforts.

Gwenaelle Avice Huet has been appointed as the Executive Vice President of Industrial Automation, while Laurent Bataille has been appointed as the Executive Vice President of Europe Operations.

Gwenaelle Avice Huet’s career history

Gwenaelle Avice Huet has been appointed as Executive Vice President of Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric.

She joined the company in 2021, working in Boston, US as Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy. 

She then held the position of Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer, before heading the company’s Europe Operations starting in 2023.

She was previously responsible for managing Schneider Electric’s business portfolio in Europe and supporting the company’s sustainability and digital transformation goals.

In 2018 she was nominated as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

Gwenaelle said on LinkedIn: “After two great years leading Europe Operations, I’m delighted to take up the position of Executive Vice President, Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric.

“Having spent most of my career in the energy and industrial sectors, I’m excited to take the lead of a fantastic team driving solutions which enable businesses to boost productivity, safety, quality, sustainability and profitability.

“I look forward to exchanging with customers, partners and colleagues in the coming weeks, and wish to say a huge thank you to the Europe Operations team - I am glad that we will still have a very close collaboration!”

In her new role, Gwenaelle will lead the company’s global portfolio of automation solutions which improve efficiency using AI, robotics and digital tools.

Laurent Bataille’s career so far

Laurent Bataille has been named Executive Vice President of Europe Operations at Schneider Electric.

He previously held the role of EVP, President of Schneider Electric France for more than four years.

Laurent has been working for the company since 2004, working across the world in the US, Canada and France.

He has worked in the Digital Energy division of Schneider Electric, leading teams in power and grid operations.

Laurent said on LinkedIn: “October brings new challenges, and a new mission I’m proud to take on.

“Leading our business across the Europe region - including Germany, Italy, the UK, Spain and France - is both an honour and a responsibility.

“I’m deeply grateful to the Schneider Electric France team for their trust and collaboration over the past years. Now, I’m looking forward to meeting new colleagues, staying close to our customers and contributing to Europe’s strong ambition for decarbonisation and digital transformation.

“At Schneider Electric, we’re committed to making that ambition a reality. Together with our customers and partners, we’ll keep driving progress toward a more efficient, sustainable and resilient future.”

As EVP of Europe Operations, Laurent will lead the company’s strategy and transformation efforts across the European region.