World’s Most Influential Business Leaders 2025

Elizabeth Hackenson

Chief Information Officer

Company Name: Schneider Electric 

In a world where technology is redefining industries at an unprecedented level. Elizabeth Hackenson is the Chief Information Officer of Schneider Electric, she stands out to be the visionary leader who is driving digital transformation at scale. She plays a crucial role in shaping how the company leverages technology to create smarter, more efficient and sustainable solutions in the global market.

Schneider Electric is a global leader in energy management and automation, it is committed to driving transformation in industries, infrastructure, data centers and homes. It has reached the right audience that is why it has made the industry grow in the right path. 

Elizabeth Hackenson began her journey with a strong foundation in technology, business operations, and customer engagement. Early in her career she developed a good understanding of her field and this has led to her growth.

Over the years, she held multiple leadership roles within Schneider Electric, gaining cross-functional experience across:

IT strategy

Digital transformation

Customer experience

Enterprise systems

Key highlights of this company:

Presence in 100+ countries

Leader in sustainability and energy efficiency solutions

Focus on IoT enabled technologies, automation and software

Its mission is to enable all to make the most of energy and resources. 

Ques. How is technology reshaping the future of energy and automation?

Ans. Technology is transforming how we produce, distribute and consume energy. With the rise of IoT, AI, and advanced analytics, we are moving toward a more connected and intelligent energy ecosystem. This opens the door to monitor energy usage in real time and optimize time and energy. 

Ques. What has been your experience as CIO at Schneider Electric? What are the lessons you would like to give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Ans. She says that being a CIO at Schneider Electric has always been a rewarding journey for me. It is about driving business value through innovation. This aspect shows that it is working at the intersection of digital and sustainable places . She tells the aspiring entrepreneurs to know about technology and its execution. Be determined and dedicated towards your goals that would help you to excel in your career.

Ques. What challenges did you face in the early stage of your career?

Ans. Unlike many leaders, the challenges she faced in her career was establishing credibility. Technology is evolving and you have to be consistent towards your goals and learn about the changes coming in it. Another challenge was to know the gap between the technology and understanding of business. 

Ques. How does Schneider Electric ensure responsible and sustainable digital transformation? 

Ans. At Schneider Electric, responsibility and sustainability plays an important role in the global market. The digital transformation is guided by a strong commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and environmental impact. 

Additionally, we prioritize governance and accountability in all our digital initiatives, ensuring that innovation is aligned with our values and global sustainability goals. 

Ques. How do you see the future of Schneider Electric?

Ans. The future of Schneider Electric looks strongly aligned with the global shift toward electrification, sustainability, and digital transformation. The company is positioning itself as a key player in the energy transition by combining advanced technologies like AI, automation, and data analytics to create smarter and more efficient energy systems. 

Looking ahead, Schneider Electric is likely to deepen its commitment to sustainability by driving decarbonization initiatives and supporting businesses in achieving net-zero goals. The company’s focus on digital ecosystems and integrated solutions will help customers enhance operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact.