Data Centre Competence Group: New Leadership Team Brings Together Expertise from Across the Data Centre Sector

With Dr Béla Waldhauser stepping back from active involvement, the eco Data Centre Competence Group is restructuring its leadership team. Going forward, Joachim Astel (noris network), Jens Leuchters (Global Switch), Anne Omar (FOGTEC) and Martin Zunken (Robert C. Spies) will jointly lead the Competence Group. The new leadership team reflects the diversity of the data centre sector particularly well: the experts bring perspectives from connectivity, operations, security, as well as site selection and property development. The Data Centre Competence Group will thus continue its work on a broad professional foundation, addressing the full spectrum of the data centre ecosystem.

The Competence Group’s work, coordinated by Roland Broch on behalf of eco Association, will continue to address key issues relating to site development, energy supply, sustainability, resilience, regulation, planning certainty and technological advancement. Particularly against the backdrop of growing demands on digital infrastructure, structured dialogue between industry, policymakers, public authorities, and energy and technology partners remains of particular importance.

The new leadership structure builds on the long-standing work of Dr Béla Waldhauser, who has led the Data Centre Competence Group since 2009 and has played a decisive role in shaping it over many years. Waldhauser not only championed greater visibility for the data centre industry among policymakers and the wider public, but also promoted continuous professional exchange within the community. Alongside this role, he was actively involved within the association as Spokesperson for the eco Alliance for the Strengthening of Digital Infrastructures in Germany.

eco extends its sincere thanks to Dr Béla Waldhauser for his many years of commitment, his professional expertise and his important role in the development of the Data Centre Competence Group. Under the new leadership, the Competence Group builds on this strong foundation and continues the dialogue on the key future issues facing digital infrastructures.

“I have been working with data centres for around 30 years and bring a deliberately generalist perspective on planning, construction and operations. In doing so, I view data centres not merely as technical infrastructure, but as complex systems in which many topics converge, such as security, standards, regulation, energy efficiency and sustainability. Within the Data Centre Competence Group, I would like to explore these intersections in greater depth, develop suitable formats and strengthen professional dialogue both within the community and with other stakeholders.”

Joachim Astel, CRO at noris network AG

“The change in leadership of eco’s Data Centre Competence Group provides an opportunity both to continue the working group’s successful work in a more targeted yet broader manner, and to actively shape industry representation during a period of high dynamism. Building on the positions already developed, I would like to strengthen the voice of data centre operators – particularly in day-to-day operations – and bridge the gap between policy and operational reality. A particular concern of mine is to adapt and reduce bureaucratic burdens, such as those arising from reporting obligations under the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG), in a way that is practical and relevant to the industry.”

Jens Leuchters, Managing Director Frankfurt at Global Switch

“The Data Centre Competence Group provides a platform for relevant topics relating to the technical infrastructure that defines the data centre industry – examined at the level of individual sites as well as holistically at industry level.

“It is important to me to bring together ideas, innovations and scientific insights from the industry itself, as well as from related sectors, to evaluate them and make them applicable to the operation and development of holistic digital infrastructures. To keep pace with rapid developments, we need to put every relevant topic on the table that can help to optimally coordinate growth in terms of demand, capacity availability, resource efficiency and sustainability. I am delighted to be able to contribute to this within the Competence Group.”

Anne Omar, Head of Business Unit Data Centre at FOGTEC Brandschutz GmbH

“Alongside energy issues and regulatory requirements, the availability of suitable sites remains one of the key challenges facing the data centre industry. To better understand the respective requirements and jointly address the growing pressure to expand, the real estate and data centre sectors must work more closely together.

“I see my role as an advisor, mediator and translator between both worlds – with the aim of bringing perspectives together and fostering mutual understanding.”

Martin Zunken, Head of Data Centre at Robert C. Spies KG

“When Patrick Pulvermüller founded the Data Centre Competence Group at the eco Association at the end of 2007, the global financial crisis was already on the horizon. A year later, I had the privilege of taking over its leadership. Despite the financial crisis, the euro crisis, the pandemic and the energy crisis, our industry has since experienced extraordinary growth – driven by cloud computing, digitalisation and, more recently, AI. It has been, and continues to be, a great honour to accompany this development. I am now pleased to hand over leadership to the capable hands of Joachim Astel, Jens Leuchters, Anne Omar and Martin Zunken. My special thanks go to Roland Broch, who has supported the Competence Group’s work with great dedication throughout all these years and has always been a reliable partner and source of support.”

Dr Béla Waldhauser, Senior Advisor at Telehouse Deutschland GmbH