Tech Support

Henk de Swardt joins EASA

Henk de Swardt has joined the EASA (Electrical Apparatus Service Association) staff as a Technical Support Specialist. A native of Johannesburg, South Africa, he holds a bachelor of science in electrical and electronics engineering from the University of Johannesburg. De Swardt worked at various companies for 16 years as an engineer, engineering manager and engineering director before accepting a position as head of ABB’s Electric Motor Design Department in its large motors manufacturing plant in Johannesburg. In that role, he integrated global ABB manufacturing technology into local operations, managed contracts and supported technical sales for motors up to 40 MW. He also conducted design verification, improved design systems and collaborated with customers to resolve technical challenges. 

More recently, de Swardt worked as a chief electrical engineer for The Timken Company and led engineering teams in three separate repair workshops. De Swardt has served on EASA’s Technical Services Committee since 2021, has authored 34 technical papers, holds 17 patents and has spoken at a variety of IEEE and other industry events.

“When we conducted our most recent Member Needs Assessment Survey, we were not surprised that technical support remains the most valued EASA service by our members. EASA’s updated strategic plan requires ensuring continued excellence in this area. So, we are very happy to add Henk to the EASA team,” said President and CEO Linda Raynes, CAE. “He has a wealth of knowledge, 30 years of experience and he loves to teach. Henk will be a great asset to our members and the industry. While we thankfully have no full retirements pending, we appreciate that EASA’s Board of Directors is looking to the future and enhancing member value with the recent additions of Henk and Billy Higgs, both technical support specialists.”