2022 Thought Leaders: Boris Gabin

What opportunities do you predict for the growth of your industry in 2022?

I am very optimistic about the growth opportunities we see in the industry, driven predominately by global demand for resources to support a sustainable future and meet net-zero targets. Capital investment in lithium, hydrogen and renewable energy projects in Australia is an indication of this trend.

Expansion of autonomous operations to address human safety and the current skilled labour shortage is another opportunity that will drive growth across the industry. Digital transformation is an enabler to support our customers achieving top quartile performance, across their capital investments and operations. Emerson Automation Solutions in Australia and New Zealand has secured key wins with these industry growth opportunities, as we align with our company’s unified global purpose to “drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter and more sustainable”.

What are the three biggest challenges or threats facing your industry in 2022?

The three biggest challenges I see across the industry are risk associated with cybersecurity, supply chain resilience and the shortage of skilled labour. Cybersecurity — or lack of it — is a major risk to business. It is essential that solutions deployed are aligned with the Australian Cybersecurity Framework and meet specific industry regulations to ensure company operations, data, assets, people and intellectual property are not impacted by global cybersecurity threats.

Supply chain resilience and the influence of global dynamics are impacting investment decisions and schedules. Local presence and support in major cities and key regional areas allows Emerson to mitigate some of these challenges as we continually review how we can better serve our customers and ensure service levels are met and exceeded. And with the pandemic closing international borders, the pool of skilled labour is limited. Coupling this with an ageing workforce, managing labour attrition through creative strategies is imperative to address immediate resource requirements to support the industries we serve.

What impacts have the pandemic lockdowns had on your industry, and how does this affect your business strategies for 2022?

At the heart of our business is the principle of connecting with our customers and working hand in hand with them, but the pandemic has made connecting with customers more challenging. People are social creatures and we have seen the appetite to connect is stronger than ever. Whilst webinars and virtual meetings will be a part of our life going forward, we do see personal engagement coming back strongly but in a way that will differ from past engagements. The pandemic has accelerated digital commerce and companies are pivoting to business and interactive portals for B2B and B2C support and trade.

What are your thoughts about remote working technologies, mandating vaccines and supporting staff?

Emerson has always been a company that drives technology adoption with our customers and internally. Our head office for Australia and New Zealand is in Melbourne, and we have offices throughout both countries. Many of our staff and our customers have been in lockdowns for a significant amount of time, so our team’s quick adoption of remote working has provided positive benefits for us through the pandemic.

Digital technologies have been the key to ensuring we stay connected. As we review new work models, trust and empowerment are key as we drive flexibility with our employees by offering flexible work arrangements across Australia and New Zealand. We have supported all our staff throughout the pandemic, strengthening our focus on mental health day-to-day and training our staff on understanding their mental health.

Is your company working on decarbonisation strategies or net-zero goals to mitigate the effects of climate change in 2022?

Absolutely: Emerson’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in our Global Purpose: “We drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter and more sustainable.” Our environmental sustainability framework is designed to ensure greening of, greening by and greening with Emerson.

Our greening of Emerson roadmap includes significant reduction of emissions across our manufacturing and shared service facilities globally. Our greening by Emerson program involves working with our clients to help them on their roadmap to lower carbon-intensive operations. In Australia & New Zealand we have a well-developed program with many customers and have been working with industry bodies including the Australian Hydrogen Council.

Our greening with Emerson focuses on partnerships with industry, government and educational institutions to find and advance new technologies. We have some exciting announcements coming shortly with industry bodies and the education sector in Australia and New Zealand, and have already announced key partnerships across the globe.

Boris Gabin is Vice President and General Manager at Emerson Automation Solutions, responsible for leading the business across Australia and New Zealand since 2016. Boris has broad international experience in general management, sales, business development and marketing across industrial automation industry. He is a critically thinking strategic leader, who cares for people and is down-to-earth.

Image: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Krunja