LUK IVENS, Legrand's general manager for the past year, is one of those ‘straight down the line' people who has the remarkable ability to observe a situation from all perspectives and then make a final decision based on a neutral viewpoint. 

His dry sense of humour is appreciated by many who know him and, in the workplace, he has the respect of his peers who have a high regard for the man who heads up the local subsidiary of a multi-national that is present in over 70 countries.

Sparks: Where were you educated?

LI: I was born and raised in Belgium and finished my studies in Brussels.

Sparks: How long have you been involved in the electrical industry?

LI: For about 20 years

Sparks: When and where did you start your career?

LI: Almost from the start of my career, I rolled into the export business. Before joining the Legrand Group, I was in charge of the international business department of a Belgian manufacturer for over 10 years. Prior to joining our South African operation, I was based at the Legrand subsidiary in Dubai where I headed business development throughout the Middle East for our group cable management division.

Sparks: What are the greatest changes you have seen over the years?

LI: Without a doubt, I think the Internet has made a massive impact on the way we live our lives compared to a little over a decade ago. Technological progress in the world, in general, has brought many changes in basically any domain. The increase in the development of energy saving products within the electrical industry has been remarkable over the past years but the real implementation and impact on a large scale is yet to be seen.

Sparks: What major projects have you worked on and what is your greatest accomplishment?

LI: I have worked on multiple projects in many countries and different industries. One of the most remarkable was the supply of very large volumes of heavy-duty cable management and support structures to the Kashagan oil field project at the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan.

Sparks: Have you won any awards?

LI: I won a few sporting awards in my twenties and a governmental best practice award for international business development with my previous company.

Sparks: Who has been your inspiration or have you had a mentor who has influenced your career?

LI: I tend to get inspired as I go and that can by be great business people or someone taking pride in the most humble of jobs in difficult circumstances. I derived great inspiration from both my parents, who are probably the most correct and honest people I know. I guess the managing director of the first company I worked for has been a true mentor.

Sparks: What, to your mind, are the biggest challenges facing the industry at this time?

LI: A great challenge will be dealing with the shortage of electricity - and this will probably be a challenge for the next decade.
Also, the rapidly increasing influx of low quality products into the market and regulatory bodies not being consistent is a major challenge.

Sparks: What do you enjoy most about your job?

LI: Legrand is one of the leading companies in the world within our industry, with factories, offices and subsidiaries spread in well over 70 countries. It is great to be part of a solid group that has a superbly positive vibe and which is constantly in motion. Working on a large variety of subjects in multiple disciplines with an equally large variety of people is a true enrichment on both a professional and personal level.

Sparks: How do you motivate your staff?

LI: As many people in this role, I try lead by example. I try to inspire our staff by challenging them and throwing in new ideas. I am also a firm believer of empowering people in their work, provided they are motivated and capable to take control. And, finally, I do believe that credit needs to go to those who earn it.

Sparks: If you could "do it all again", would you change anything? If so, what would that be?

LI: I think I was fortunate to start working in an international context right from the beginning of my career, which is what I always wanted... And I still enjoy it very much.
I am only in my early forties so I guess there is still quite a bit of time left to explore new horizons if I want to.

Sparks: Would you advise a person leaving school to enter the electrical industry? And why?

LI: Most definitely. The industry needs young people with a fresh approach and new ideas. Electricity is the heartbeat of virtually any facility in our modern society and without it our daily life would be catapulted back to a very basic existence. The role and importance of electrical energy will only increase in the decades to come. So as far as job security and growth potential goes, I would bet more on a career within the electrical industry than, let's say, one in the fashion industry.

Sparks: What is your advice to electrical contractors and/or electrical engineers?

LI: Consider quality and think in terms of reliable solutions. But that goes for the entire economic chain within our industry.

Sparks: What is your favourite quote?

LI: "Old enough to know better; young enough to do it anyway" and I have another favourite quote: "If you can't fix it with a hammer, you probably have an electrical problem."

Sparks: Name three things on your ‘bucket list' (things you want to do before you ‘kick the bucket').

LI: Three things on my bucket list are: Fly a helicopter, undertake a six month motorbike trip on a classic Enfield through India, and spend a few weeks on Antarctica.