Equinix Names Bruce Owen EMEA President in Leadership Shift
As AI applications drive demand for computing power, data centre providers face mounting pressure to expand capacity across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The sector requires leadership with experience in managing complex infrastructure projects while navigating regional power constraints and sustainability requirements.
Against this backdrop, Equinix has appointed Bruce Owen as President of its EMEA operations. The appointment comes as data centre providers face rising demand for interconnection services, where enterprises link their networks directly to cloud providers through data centre facilities.
Bruce moves into the position from his role as UK Managing Director, where he oversaw operations of 14 data centre facilities across London and Manchester. According to the company, the UK operation generates 25% of Equinix’s EMEA revenue.
“This region is crucial for our company, with global and local customers rapidly digitising and expanding across our platform,” Bruce says. “With our exceptional EMEA team, we will deliver unparalleled services to accelerate our customers’ digital transformation journeys.”
Digital infrastructure demands drive regional strategy
In his new role, Bruce will implement management and growth strategies across the EMEA region as enterprise customers adapt their digital infrastructure requirements. The position includes responsibility for meeting evolving technical demands from both customers and partners in the data centre ecosystem.
Digital technology infrastructure, including data centres and interconnection services, has become fundamental to economic growth across the EMEA region. Bruce’s mandate includes executing regional strategy while addressing market-specific challenges across different territories.
Equinix veteran brings cross-border operating experience
Bruce joined Equinix in 2010 in the EMEA corporate development team before relocating to California in 2013. His roles included leading corporate financial planning and analysis, serving as chief of staff to the CEO and Vice President of Business Operations.
The appointment follows Eugene Bergen’s retirement – having held the EMEA president position from 2019 until early 2024. Bruce will operate from London, reporting to Chief Business Officer Jon Lin.
Jon says: “Bruce has been an exceptional leader at Equinix since 2010, driving growth, innovation, and cultural impact through his work in the UK and the US. From leading Corporate FP&A to founding our Global Community and Belonging team and launching the Equinix Foundation, his contributions have been pivotal.”
Regional leadership transition builds on UK success
During Bruce’s tenure as UK managing director, he strengthened Equinix’s position through government partnerships and community initiatives. The role provided oversight of the company’s largest EMEA market, with facilities spanning key metropolitan areas.
- 14: Data centre facilities operated by Equinix across London and Manchester
- 25%: Proportion of Equinix EMEA revenue generated by UK operations
- 14: Years Bruce Owen has worked at Equinix across multiple roles
"Bruce has excelled in his role as UK Managing Director, advancing regional growth, forging strong government and community partnerships, and strengthening our presence in the region,” Jon says. “As President of EMEA, I am confident Bruce will inspire our teams, drive the business to new heights and continue shaping the future of our industry.”
Data centre market faces regional transformation
The appointment comes as data centre operators adapt to changes in enterprise computing architecture. Interconnection services, which allow companies to bypass the public internet when connecting to cloud providers, have become central to data centre revenue growth.
Innovation is no longer optional but essential. In EMEA, we embrace change, empower our teams, and forge partnerships to drive growth and shape the future.
Owen established the company’s Global Community and Belonging team and launched the Equinix Foundation before taking the UK Managing Director position in 2023. In the UK role, he managed the company's expansion in its largest EMEA market, where the company operates facilities serving global enterprises and cloud service providers.
The role encompasses oversight of Equinix’s digital infrastructure platform, which enables organisations to connect their foundational infrastructure at software speed. This platform serves digital leaders seeking to scale operations while maintaining sustainability commitments.
Bruce says: “In the dynamic world of technology and the data centre industry, innovation is no longer optional but essential. In EMEA, we embrace change, empower our teams, and forge partnerships to drive growth and shape the future.”
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