Leading Edge Data Centres appoints Joe Craparotta as CEO

Leading Edge Data Centres (LEDC) has appointed Joe Craparotta as Chief Executive Officer as its plans to meet growing demand for AI, cloud and edge computing infrastructure, according to media reports.

Craparotta succeeds founder Chris Thorpe, who has transitioned to the role of Executive Vice Chairman. 

The leadership change comes as LEDC continues to expand its regional network to support Australia's growing digital infrastructure needs. 

Veteran technology executive to lead next growth phase

Craparotta brings more than 35 years of experience in the technology and data centre industry. 

He joins from Schneider Electric, where he served as Vice President, Cloud & Service Provider, leading strategy, commercial growth and executive relationships across the Pacific.

LEDC said his experience across cloud, AI and data centre markets would support the company's next stage of expansion as organisations increasingly invest in regional digital infrastructure.

Drew Kelton, Chairman of LEDC said, “Craparotta’s deep industry expertise and strong relationships across the cloud, AI, and data center sectors make him exceptionally well placed to lead the business through its next phase of growth."

Expanding regional AI infrastructure

Founded in Sydney in 2018, its footprint spans operational, under-construction and planned facilities, with further expansion planned across regional Queensland and Western Australia.

As CEO, Craparotta will oversee the continued rollout of the company's regional data centre network and its broader strategic priorities, as demand for AI workloads, cloud services and low-latency infrastructure continues to grow.

"I'm honored to lead LEDC at such a pivotal moment for the business and for regional Australia. This company has built a genuinely differentiated network and a strong foundation,” Craparotta noted.

“I look forward to working with the team, our customers and our partners to help shape the next generation of regional digital infrastructure across Australia,” he further added.

Founder moves into strategic leadership role

Thorpe, who founded the company, will remain closely involved in the business as Executive Vice Chairman. He will focus on long-term strategy, investor engagement and supporting the company's continued growth.

"Joe has been a trusted advisor to the business and brings outstanding industry experience. I look forward to continuing to work alongside him as we build on the strong foundation we've created and deliver the AI digital infrastructure regional Australia needs,” Thorpe commented.

The appointment comes as operators increasingly expand data centre capacity beyond major metropolitan areas. This an opportunity for the firm to support AI adoption, cloud computing and digital services closer to regional communities across Australia.