From his beginnings at Eskom to guiding international manufacturers and advising strategic boards, Chris Gerber has spent over three decades shaping how companies innovate, collaborate, and adapt in a transforming energy landscape.

As part of our latest CWIEME Talks, Gerber sat down with Alexandra da Fonte Martins, Senior Content Manager at CWIEME Berlin, to discuss global growth, manufacturing realities, and the importance of industry platforms like CWIEME Berlin in driving progress across the electrification value chain.

Navigating a Market on the Rise

Gerber notes that growth in the transformer and related industries remains strong— “between 4 and 10% globally, depending on your market.”

Emerging economies such as India are leading the way, while Europe’s green policies and drive to net zero continue to accelerate investment and innovation.

But alongside opportunity comes complexity. Supply chain constraints, regional conflicts, and the push for re-industrialisation are reshaping manufacturing dynamics worldwide.

For Gerber, quality, reliability, and scaling capacity have become the new competitive edge.

“Companies like Yash Highvoltage in India are showing how speed and compliance can coexist. They’ve managed to compete with European and U.S. manufacturers not just on price—but on quality, standards, and lead times.”

Platforms that Power Progress

When asked about the role of CWIEME in supporting the industry’s evolution, Gerber was clear:

“CWIEME plays an instrumental role in sharing knowledge and insight. Not every company has an economist or a research team. What CWIEME delivers through its conference programme, in Berlin and Shanghai, is access to reliable market intelligence and the people shaping it.”

From conference sessions that unpack transformer market dynamics to networking zones designed for direct business connection, CWIEME Berlin continues to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation—helping professionals across the value chain stay informed and connected.

C-Suite Collaboration: Competing Less, Collaborating More

One of CWIEME’s latest initiatives, the C-Suite Club, is something Gerber believes the sector has needed for years.

A private forum for CEOs and senior executives, it fosters honest, confidential discussion around shared challenges—regulatory shifts, talent pipelines, and market pressures.

“It’s a place where competitors become collaborators,” he explains. “Behind closed doors, leaders can share solutions without fear of exposure. It builds trust—and that’s what this industry needs more of.”

Bridging the Talent Gap

Beyond boardrooms and supply chains, Gerber is also a strong advocate for cultivating the next generation of engineers. He sees CWIEME’s Future Engineers Programme as a vital bridge between academia and industry.

“Our industry is ageing. We need young talent—and we need diversity,” he says. “By promoting engineering as an inclusive, rewarding career, CWIEME helps future engineers connect directly with the companies shaping their world.”

Looking Ahead to CWIEME Berlin 2026

As Gerber concludes, it’s clear that his optimism for the future is grounded in action—not rhetoric.

“The conversations we have at CWIEME shape the way forward for our entire sector. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in Berlin next May—bigger, better, and even more connected.”

Join the global meeting place for transformer, motor, and e-mobility innovators.

📅 CWIEME Berlin 2026 | 19–21 May | Messe Berlin

Discover insights, forge partnerships, and shape the future of electrification.