Global specialist in energy management, Schneider Electric, has appointed Zanelle Dalglish as head of sustainable development for southern Africa.

Dalglish holds M.Com and B.Com Human Resource Management (Honours) degrees from the University of Pretoria, is fluent in English, Afrikaans and Zulu, and will report directly to Schneider Electric country president for southern Africa, Eric Léger.

An industrial psychologist registered with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA), she was previously employed by Schneider Electric South Africa as a human resources business partner.

Dalglish’s new position will include building the Schneider Electric Academy, a knowledge organisation in charge of all training initiatives to accelerate the development of internal and external competencies, and increasing public impact and influence through the commitment of Schneider Electric employees giving back to the community.

She will be the transformation leader for the internal “connect to people” company programme, focussed on increasing the engagement of leaders and employees whilst promoting an attractive, inspiring and energising work environment.

Also falling within Dalglish’s portfolio is the Business Innovation People for the Base of Pyramid (BIPBOP) programme, established to tackle the challenge of giving 1,3-billion people worldwide access to electricity. This includes using offerings such as the In-Diya renewable LED lamp to contribute actively to the electrification or urban and rural communities in the southern Africa region.

“After three successful years in human resources at Schneider Electric South Africa, Zanelle’s new role is critical for our organisation, particularly from the perspective of our impact on the greater planet and society,” says Léger.

“We expect that she will provide invaluable input in positioning our green products, improving access to energy, ensuring people wellbeing – from staff to the greater community – upholding the highest of ethics and responsibilities, as well as training our youth.”