Top 10: Data Centre Leaders in Europe

The pressure on Europe’s data centres has never been higher.

That is primarily due to Gen AI, hybrid cloud adoption and strict net zero targets.

While established ‘FLAP-D’ markets (Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris and Dublin) continue to grow, secondary hubs are emerging, requiring smart, localised strategies to secure power and land. 

Navigating grid bottlenecks and complex European regulations takes a mix of sharp technical instincts and quick strategic thinking.

In this Top 10, Data Centre Magazine spotlights 10 executives successfully managing these challenges while building the sustainable, high-capacity foundations needed for Europe's digital future.

10. Dame Dawn Childs

Company: nLighten
Founded: 2021
Global HQ: Schiphol-Rijk, Netherlands

Dame Dawn Childs is a standout force in Europe’s digital infrastructure space, serving as the CEO of pan-European edge operator nLighten. 

Bringing a unique, high-calibre background that spans engineering and operational leadership in the Royal Air Force, National Grid and Gatwick Airport, Dawn excels at scaling complex, mission-critical infrastructure. 

At nLighten, she guides the strategy for an expanding footprint of more than 30 edge data centres across major hubs like Germany, France and the UK. 

Dawn also serves as a Non-Executive Director for Pure Data Centres Group and chairs the Infrastructure Masons Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

9. Adam Eaton

Company: VIRTUS Data Centres
Founded: 2008
Global HQ: London, England

Ashley has cemented his reputation as an industry leader by spearheading Global Switch’s ambitious development and expansion plans. 

Moving from COO to CEO, he brings three decades of real estate and data centre experience to the table. 

Under his leadership, Global Switch is maximising technical space and focusing on sustainable engineering to meet complex client needs across Tier 1 European hubs.

7. Mark Pestridge

Company: Telehouse Europe
Founded: 1988
Global HQ: London, England

Stepping into the role of Managing Director for Telehouse Europe, Mark brings 25 years of experience in driving commercial growth and building strategic partnerships. 

Previously serving as Executive Vice President, Mark helped turn the company’s London Docklands campus into one of Europe's most connected hubs for internet traffic. 

His current priority is expanding hyperscale connectivity to meet the low-latency needs of major financial and cloud institutions.

6. Donough Roche

Company: STACK Infrastructure
Founded: 2019
Global HQ: Denver, Colorado, US

Though based in the US, Donough Roche is Chief Operations Officer for STACK EMEA, runs the operational engine of STACK Infrastructure’s business in the region.

Donough’s background spans energy systems, climate tech and infrastructure design – a unique set of skills that helps STACK navigate the severe power constraints facing Europe’s primary markets. 

He ensures the company delivers wholesale colocation and custom builds quickly and responsibly for major global tech platforms.

5. David Howson

Company: Vantage Data Centers
Founded: 2010
Global HQ: Denver, Colorado, US

While David Howson operates out of the US, his focus is entirely across the pond as President of Vantage Data Centers for the EMEA region. 

With 30 years in the industry, David oversees everything from market development to campus construction and operations. 

His leadership is key as Vantage expands into primary and secondary hubs, focusing heavily on building energy-efficient facilities that can handle high-density AI workloads.

4. Olivier Micheli

Company: DATA4
Founded: 2006
Global HQ: Paris, France

Olivier Micheli, President and CEO of DATA4, has built the company into one of Europe’s top fully integrated data centre investors and operators.

He is currently executing a massive US$20bn regional investment strategy, which includes a flagship US$5.8bn AI campus in northern France. 

He also serves as President of France Datacenter, playing an active role in shaping digital policy and advocating for sustainable, sovereign data infrastructure.

3. Konstantin Hartmann

Company: NTT Global Data Centers
Founded: 1952
Global HQ: London, England

Now serving as SVP of Global Sales and Client Services, Konstantin Hartmann has been key to NTT Global Data Centers' European growth. 

Drawing on his previous experience as Managing Director for EMEA, Konstantin specialises in designing infrastructure solutions that balance global scale with local market quirks. 

He helps multinational cloud and AI platforms navigate Europe’s tight energy markets, regulatory landscape and data sovereignty laws.

2. Paula Cogan

Company: Digital Realty
Founded: 2004
Global HQ: Austin, Texas

As EMEA Managing Director at Digital Realty, Paula manages a massive data centre footprint across both core and emerging European markets. 

With more than 30 years of telco and infrastructure experience, Paula is known for building high-performance teams and driving commercial transformations. 

She is currently scaling Digital Realty’s campuses to keep pace with the massive demands of Gen AI, while actively championing workplace diversity and sustainable operations. 

Paula ensures the operator maintains its dominant market position by fostering robust customer partnerships and prioritising sustainable, energy-efficient operational models. 

She is also a deeply committed advocate for corporate social responsibility, actively championing workplace inclusion and mentoring programmes to build a more equitable tech sector.

1. Bruce Owen

Company: Equinix
Founded: 1998
Global HQ: California, US

As President of EMEA at Equinix, Bruce oversees one of Europe's largest interconnected digital ecosystems. 

A long-time Equinix veteran, Bruce previously ran the company's UK operations as Managing Director. 

His comprehensive mandate includes integrating acquired businesses, handling public affairs and overseeing massive capital deployment across critical hubs. 

Today, this means working closely with European grid operators and local communities to balance rapid data centre expansion with regional energy challenges.  

Bruce has a personal commitment to the community, blending large-scale innovation with a firm corporate dedication to digital inclusion, community waste-heat export initiatives and strict environmental sustainability strategies.