Michael Winterson has left colocation provider Equinix after more than two decades. He will take on the role of managing director for the European Data Centre Association (EUDCA), having previously served as the organization's chair.
“Exactly 24 years ago I started my data center career at IXEurope, not 300 meters from our current Equinix offices in Devonshire Square," Winterson said in a recent post on LinkedIn. "What a wild and crazy ride it has been. Our first data center was an office fit out, not even 1,000 sqm at a power density of less than 2KVA per rack and a peak PUE somewhere between 2.2 and 2.5."
“LD1 has long been decommissioned, but as I look back I am amazed at how much our industry has matured and what it has enabled. I won't be working for a data center company anymore, but I will continue to advocate for this cool and critical industry. Equinix - thank you for the opportunities and adventures. To The European Data Centre Association and the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact - let's let the world know what the data center of the future will be and do!”
After roles at TechWorks – and then computer peripheral maker Melco after an acquisition in 1998 – Winterson joined data center firm IXEurope in June 2000. Equinix acquired IXEurope in 2007. After holding a number of sales roles, he became managing director for Equinix Services in 2013.
EUDCA launched in 2011 as a lobbying group for the data center industry in Europe. The group is heavily involved in the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact initiative.
Winterson was appointed chair of the EUDCA board in 2016 and became managing director of the group this month to oversee day-to-day operations. Equinix’s Gary Aitkenhead has replaced Winterson on the board and Digital Realty’s Lex Coors is now EUDCA chair.
On his appointment, Coors said: “I am truly honored to receive the trust of the EUDCA Board and association members to take on the position as chair. I extend a warm welcome to our new board members and gratitude to Michael Winterson, who has aptly steered the organization as chair, and whom I look forward to working with in his new role.”
