By Eamonn Ryan
ebm-papst South Africa bids farewell to Kevin Petrie, who stepped into retirement on 1 September after a remarkable 37-year career, to be replaced by Steven Friedmann.
Wendy and Kevin Petrie. All images supplied by ebm-papst
RACA Journal takes the moment to reflect on his exceptional journey and contributions. Kevin, who began his career with the company as a sales engineer in December 1987, has been a cornerstone of the organisation’s growth and success. His tenure as managing director, starting in April 2013, has been marked by visionary leadership and unwavering dedication.
Over nearly four decades, he has seen the company evolve in South Africa from its early days as Ziehl-ebm into the globally recognised ebm-papst. Under his stewardship, the company has not only maintained but significantly expanded its market presence in a highly competitive industry.
He entered the field with a foundation in technical drawing, which laid the groundwork for his future successes. The company also warmly welcomes Steven Friedmann as the new MD. He brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including his tenure as MD at Elbro AG and as regional manager at Ziehl-ebm. Having joined ebm-papst in May 2015 as sales director, Friedmann has worked closely with Kevin over recent months, ensuring a smooth transition.
In particular, over the past 11 years Kevin has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and success. Steven notes some of the highlights of Petrie’s remarkable career:
Strategic growth and expansion: Under Kevin’s leadership, ebm-papst South Africa has seen substantial growth. He successfully navigated the company through new market opportunities and introduced innovative products. His strategic vision helped the company expand its market presence and adapt to changing industry dynamics.
Organisational restructuring: One of Kevin’s significant achievements was restructuring the organisation to focus on core products and markets. This move involved streamlining operations by phasing out local manufacturing and assembly, which allowed the company to concentrate on its core strengths and increase market share.
Transition to APAC region: In a major strategic shift, ebm-papst South Africa transitioned from reporting under the European division to becoming part of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Kevin played a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition to this new management structure, aligning the company with broader regional strategies.
Implementation of new ERP system: Kevin oversaw the implementation of a new ERP system in 2014/15, a crucial step in modernising the company’s internal processes. The transition to a more advanced system has positioned ebm-papst South Africa at the forefront of CRM and ERP integration, enhancing operational efficiency.
Strengthening customer relationships: Kevin had an exceptional ability to build and maintain strong relationships with top customers. His long-standing connections, some extending over 30 years, have been instrumental in the company’s success. His dedication to customer satisfaction and business development has been a key factor in the company’s enduring success.
Expanding market focus: Under Kevin’s leadership, ebm-papst South Africa diversified its market focus. While previously the company’s primary business came from wholesalers and original equipment manufacturers, Kevin expanded its reach into the installer market and consulting engineers, broadening the company’s customer base and market influence. He streamlined its operations to focus on distribution and resale, leveraging the company’s global manufacturing facilities. By concentrating on these core functions, Kevin ensured that the South African subsidiary could effectively serve its market without the complexities of local manufacturing.
His strategic vision helped the company expand its market presence and adapt to changing industry dynamics.
Kevin’s success can be attributed to several personal attributes that have defined his career. His strategic vision, dedication to customer relationships and ability to navigate complex organisational changes have set him apart. His commitment to innovation and growth, coupled with his hands-on approach to leadership, has been key in steering the company through various phases of its evolution.
A dynamic leader and energiser
Kevin’s tenure has been marked by a blend of professional rigour and personal warmth, setting a standard for leadership that goes beyond mere business success.
He was often described as an ‘energiser bunny’—a testament to his boundless energy and commitment. Despite the high-pressure nature of his role, his enthusiasm and engagement never waned. His deep involvement in every facet of the business ensured he was always in tune with the company’s operations and needs.
While his professional demands were significant, Kevin’s patience and understanding, though not always conventional, were core to his leadership style. He was known for his fair and heartfelt approach, creating an environment where staff felt genuinely valued.
One of the most commendable aspects of Kevin’s leadership was his dedication to education and community service. He strongly advocated for the continued education of his staff, encouraging and supporting any initiative that would enhance their skills, even if it didn’t directly align with their current roles. His support extended beyond employees to their families, including sponsoring the education of colleagues’ children.
His commitment to community service was equally magnanimous. His personal involvement in charitable activities was not just a formality but a genuine effort to make a difference. For instance, during the holiday seasons, Kevin personally organised and delivered donations to underprivileged communities. This annual gesture of kindness provided essential items like biscuits to elderly and less fortunate individuals. “His hands-on approach to distributing food and supplies directly to those in need exemplified a deep compassion and dedication to improving lives,” says Steven.
Looking ahead, it will be crucial to maintain his focus on emerging trends and technologies. “As managing director, I will work to ensure that we continue to lead in product technology and stay ahead of industry shifts, just as Kevin did. This means not only embracing new technologies but also actively educating the market about their benefits and applications,” says Steven. Kevin was instrumental in shaping a company culture that values people and emphasises personal development. As part of a larger corporate entity, ebm-papst South Africa has increasingly focused on improving the working environment and supporting staff development. “Kevin was a key proponent of these initiatives, ensuring that our company’s core values—trust, transformation, and loyalty—were upheld,” he says.
“Under Kevin’s guidance, there was a strong emphasis on self-development and creating a supportive work environment. This culture of growth and mutual respect is something I am committed to continuing, ensuring that we maintain a positive and productive workplace.”
His commitment to community service was equally magnanimous.
Kevin has a supportive family, including a wife, two children, and a strong network of friends which enabled him to balance his professional and personal responsibilities with grace and dedication. His personal interests included boating, jet skiing and trips into the bush and his family-oriented lifestyle reflect his dedication to spending quality time with loved ones.
ebm-papst sales representative Dewald Hattingh says he has known Kevin literally half his life, and that he was like a father figure to the staff, willing to listen to work or private issues whether for 10 minutes or an hour: “He was known for his openness and willingness to support and guide his team by balancing professionalism with a personal touch, creating a workplace where employees felt valued and heard.”
Dewald’s comments also underscore Kevin’s ability to maintain humility and camaraderie with all staff, even as he rose to the position of MD from his sales background. This approach to leadership, where Kevin remained grounded and connected with his team, is a key element of his legacy.
A close colleague and friend Mike Jones of HC Heat adds: “It’s truly remarkable how time flies. Over three decades have passed since I first met Kevin, and yes, it means I’m no longer that young guy anymore. Now, Kevin joins a special group of dear friends who have earned their well-deserved retirement. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Kevin since he was a key supplier during my time at Recoil. Our friendship only deepened after Recoil was taken over by HC Heat Exchangers. I fondly remember Kevin as a morning person, just like me. He would often call me a few times a week, just before 7am, to catch up on work and chat about life. We also shared a love for KwaZulu-Natal’s beautiful coastline, often vacationing there in December, making sure to enjoy a drink or two together. Kevin was more than just a supplier; he was a client-focused, determined strategic partner who always supported us in delivering exceptional service to our clients. Our three-decade relationship was filled with moments when Kevin showed genuine interest in my personal challenges, whether health-related or otherwise, and for that, I am deeply appreciative.
“He became a cherished member of my work family. Kevin had a unique gift for connecting with everyone—whether in dispatch, stores, the factory, engineering, or management. He made it a point to get to know each person, often on a first name basis.
“And, truth be told, Kevin regularly brought in delicious treats and snacks that the team always looked forward to. Maybe he knew that the way to our hearts was through our stomachs. As Kevin embarks on this new chapter of his life, I wish him all the very best. His retirement is well-earned, and I hope it brings him all the joy, peace, and fulfilment he truly deserves,” says Jones.
Indeed, all Kevin’s colleagues and friends at ebm papst, the rest of the HVAC&R sector and also the staff of RACA Journal express their deepest gratitude for his years of dedication and hard work. May your retirement be filled with joy, relaxation, and the many adventures you’ve been dreaming of. Wishing you all the best as you embark on this exciting new chapter in your life.
