Steven Sutherland: Driving innovation at Powerfleet Africa

Steven Sutherland, Powerfleet Africa GM of enterprise, exemplifies leadership in the ever-evolving fields of Internet of Things (IoT) and telematics and is a driving force in shaping the company’s industry-leading position.

Sutherland’s professional journey began in telecommunications, where he honed his technical expertise and developed an understanding of operational efficiency in tech and software-powered businesses. Experience in digital telecom networks and call centre technologies at Dimension Data instilled in him the importance of multi-solution integration and customer-centric delivery in fast-paced industries.

His transition to telematics, joining MiX Telematics, was a pivotal shift. Expanding the company’s operations across Africa developed his ability for establishing, growing, and leveraging strategic partner networks and deepened his understanding of regional dynamics and the challenges of scaling technology solutions to meet diverse customer needs.

To enhance his leadership abilities, Sutherland pursued an MBA, equipping him with data-driven decision-making skills and a broader strategic vision. His subsequent role at Adapt IT (now part of the Volaris Group) saw him manage software solutions for mobile network operators in a highly metric-driven environment, further refining his expertise in operational scalability and customer-centric innovation.

These cumulative experiences prepared him well for his current role at Powerfleet Africa, where he leads the enterprise division with a focus on leveraging IoT and telematics to deliver measurable value to businesses. Sutherland seeks to foster an environment where team members feel empowered to innovate and take ownership of their contributions. “Leadership is about inspiring individuals to reach their full potential while aligning their efforts with the organisation’s mission,” he explains.

Powerfleet Africa is committed to transforming how businesses manage mobile assets, aiming to deliver cutting-edge IoT and software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions that enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. With its comprehensive Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) ecosystem, Powerfleet provides an end-to-end platform for real-time tracking, monitoring, and management of assets, catering to businesses of all sizes across industries such as logistics, transportation, and other complementary and supplementary sectors.

Sutherland highlights the company’s unique strengths, including its hardware-agnostic platform, tailored solutions, and customer-centric approach. Its AI-powered predictive analytics enable informed decision making, anomaly detection, and actionable insights, giving businesses a competitive edge, while Vision AI solutions enhance safety and compliance through intelligent video analytics.

Sustainability goals are supported by tools that optimise fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. “Powerfleet stands apart by combining innovation, reliability, and exceptional customer service,” Sutherland explains. “Our solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing systems, minimising disruption while maximising impact.”

Sutherland’s vision for Powerfleet Africa is ambitious yet grounded in pragmatism. He emphasises the importance of tailoring solutions to customer requirements, expanding the company’s reach into emerging markets, and continuing to innovate through AIoT and telematics technologies. A strong focus on modular, scalable solutions ensures businesses can grow seamlessly with Powerfleet’s offerings.

He aims to increase recurring revenue through subscription-based models, develop predictive maintenance tools, and enhance AI-powered analytics. Another priority is investment in R&D to maintain Powerfleet’s technological leadership and foster partnerships with OEMs and industry leaders.

Powerfleet’s solutions address the dual challenges of operational efficiency and sustainability. Through real-time tracking, predictive maintenance, and driver behaviour analysis, businesses can optimise routes, reduce fuel consumption, and enhance fleet utilisation. “Sustainability is at the core of our offerings,” Sutherland notes. “They help businesses reduce their carbon footprint while improving cost efficiency. This alignment with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals is critical in today’s market.”

Powerfleet’s commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its support for electric vehicle integration and energy-efficient IoT devices, positioning the company as a partner for businesses aiming to achieve both operational and environmental goals.

Sutherland’s leadership is defined by his passion for using technology to solve real-world challenges, including cybersecurity, scalability, and regulatory compliance. Under his guidance, Powerfleet Africa continues to innovate, delivering solutions that empower businesses to thrive in an increasingly connected and sustainable future. “By embracing emerging technologies like edge computing and AI, we’re able to deliver smarter, more adaptable solutions,” he says. “Powerfleet is not just shaping the future of telematics; we’re building a legacy of innovation and purpose.”