DANIEL GARRIDO
TBY talks to Daniel Garrido, Country Manager of Schneider Electric, on 40 years of the firm's operations in Ecuador, and knowledge transfer.
BIOGRAPHY
Daniel Garrido manages operations for Schneider Electric in Ecuador, which is part of the Andean cluster. A Colombian that studied electronic engineering at the Universidad de Antioquia in Medellín, he has over 13 years of experience leading highly impactful teams in Latin America. After completing advanced studies in efficient energy management and automation for buildings in the US and Europe, he has led the development and management of important projects in the region. He joined Schneider Electric in 2010 as a business unit leader for the EcoBuildings division in Colombia before joining the Andean cluster.
Which sectors have marked Schneider Electric's presence in Ecuador?
Schneider Electric provides digital solutions for efficiency and sustainability in various sectors. In doing so, we combine world-leading energy technologies, real-time automation, software, and services into integrated solutions for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure, and industries. We have been working in Ecuador for more than 25 years, where the energy industry has been one of our main businesses, ranging from oil and industry to utilities. Nowadays, we are seeing more opportunities in boosting digitization and the development of the circular economy, but most of our gains have been in energy distribution due to Ecuador's increasing emphasis on alternative sources. This new segment is not new to Schneider Electric, since the company has extensive experience and knowledge in these fields in other countries. Regardless of the source, the company is driving processes more efficiently, reliably, and securely. On the other hand, the mining segment has the potential to become an important revenue generator. Schneider has an expert team in the Andean region dedicated to mining that has started working in Ecuador in order to boost digital technologies that optimize these processes. Our company is also supporting the digitalization of prominent industries in Ecuador, contributing to the development of new technologies such as IoT, and boosting the digital economy of companies across Ecuador and the Andean. In fact, 5% of the company's revenue at the global level is invested in research and development to deliver new digital and connected technologies to our customers. Paired with our international presence, this translates into a great ability to bring new solutions, tools, and initiatives to help grow businesses in local economies.
To what extent can international companies transfer skills and knowledge to the country?
Schneider Electric is a multinational company, which represents a great advantage, since we transfer our knowledge from country to country. We are very impressed with Ecuadorian talent. Our entire organization in the country is well trained, which increases knowledge transfers on a daily basis.
DANIEL GARRIDO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
Felipe Ribadeneira Molestina, President of the Board of Directors, Ecuadorian Federation of Exporters (FEDEXPOR)
FEDEXPOR is directing the government to sign new trade agreements, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and implement a host of other measures to increase Ecuador's competitiveness in the global market.
read articleInterview
Walter Spurrier, President, Grupo Spurrier
For decades, Grupo Spurrier has been providing key data and insights to international companies interested in Ecuador. With mining activity picking up pace again, the company is set to play a bigger role in the country's economic development.
read articleInterview
Fernando L. Benalcázar, Vice Minister of Mines, Ministry of Energy and Non-renewable Natural Resources
TBY talks to Fernando L. Benalcázar, Vice Minister of Mines, Ministry of Energy and Non-renewable Natural Resources, on developments in the sector, expectations for 2020, and the potential of Ecuador's economy.
read articleInterview
Agustín Albán, Secretary, Higher Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (SENESCYT)
Through a holistic education policy, SENESCYT is working on establishing international alliances, creating online learning programs, and increasing the amount of R&D activities in Ecuador's universities.
read articleInterview
Raúl Villacrés Vanegas, Executive Director, Ecuadorian Association of Banana Exporters (AEBE)
Representing 70% of Ecuador's banana exports, AEBE has worked hand in hand with the state to support the circulation of better agricultural, social, and environmental practices in the sector.
read article
