Shaping the future of energy transmission: Carlo Scarlata’s leadership in high-performance cable innovation

Q. Thank you for joining us. Can you tell us about your background and area of expertise?

I lead the Wire & Cable Division at Hanwha, and I bring over 23 years of experience from leadership roles at Prysmian. My background spans B2B sales, operations, and engineering, and I’ve worked across many countries and cultures. I’m fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, and I consider myself truly international in mindset and experience. My expertise is rooted in the energy sector, especially in cable technologies, which I’ve been focused on since 2000.

Q. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I spend almost all my free time in the mountains. In the winter, I do a lot of SkiMo (ski mountaineering), and during the rest of the year, I run trails and plan solo mountain adventures. I design them myself, including emergency plans, fueling and hydration strategies, and then go out and execute them. It’s how I challenge both my mind and body while keeping myself sharp in tough conditions.

“What really drew me to Hanwha was the sense of purpose behind the role. I believe in the mission we have to grow this division, and I trust the leadership here.”

Q. What led you to join Hanwha, and what made the opportunity stand out to you?

What really drew me to Hanwha was the sense of purpose behind the role. I believe in the mission we have to grow this division, and I trust the leadership here. I also knew I could bring something meaningful to the table with my experience. So, if I had to sum it up in one word, I’d say it was the “meaningfulness” of the project that convinced me.

Q. What is the Wire & Cable Division’s role at Hanwha, and what does the team focus on?

The Wire & Cable Division plays a critical role in Hanwha’s broader energy business. We design, develop, test, and commercialize advanced insulation materials for high-voltage power cables used in demanding transmission and distribution applications — including high-voltage direct current (HVDC), subsea, fiber optic, and wind power generation.

Everything we do is focused on pushing the performance of insulation materials forward. We aim to give our cable-maker customers a real technological edge by developing next-generation cross-linked polyethylene and semiconductive materials that meet the needs of modern infrastructure.

Q. Why was it important to reposition the Wire & Cable Division, and how does that align with Hanwha’s long-term strategy?

Historically, the Wire & Cable Division was part of Hanwha’s Chemical Division. But as the market evolved, it became clear that this business required more specialized focus and strategic direction. The repositioning reflects our long-term commitment to innovation and competitiveness.

Our goal is to develop high-end products — including extra-high-voltage, high-voltage direct current, and submarine cable solutions — to better serve our customers and accelerate technological leadership. I’m proud to share that we’re opening a new European headquarters in Milan, Italy to support this growth and deepen our presence in a key regional market.

Q. How is the division responding to global market shifts, including the energy transition and growing sustainability demands?

The industry is undergoing a huge transformation driven by the global energy transition. Demand for subsea, renewable, and HVDC solutions is rising, and sustainability is becoming a top priority for our customers.

The market is calling for low-carbon, high-efficiency technologies — and we’re responding. Our R&D efforts are focused on developing cable insulation and semiconductive materials that reduce losses, support long-distance reliability, and extend system lifespan. These innovations directly support Hanwha’s broader commitments to energy efficiency, digitalization, and decarbonization.

Q. What makes the Wire & Cable Division competitive today, and what are your top priorities for the future? 

Our competitiveness is grounded in three core strengths: quality, innovation, and integration. We never compromise on quality — our customers rely on consistent, long-term performance. We invest heavily in R&D to stay ahead with cutting-edge materials. And we’re fully vertically integrated, which allows us to manage production end to end — giving us a clear edge in efficiency and consistency.

My focus is on reinforcing our leadership in high-performance compounds while continuing to expand globally. We have three clear priorities: first, advancing innovation in cross-linked polyethylene and semiconductive materials for extra high-voltage, subsea, and HVDC applications; second, building strong customer partnerships by offering tailored, solution-oriented services; and third, improving operational efficiency and quality assurance so we remain a trusted and competitive player in every market we serve.

“Hanwha's culture is one of the things that stood out to me immediately. The company's values closely align with my own: ambitious yet humble, professional and precise, respectful and creative.”

Q. What’s your proudest accomplishment since joining Hanwha?

I joined Hanwha less than a year ago, and there’s still a great deal of work ahead before we fully meet our ambitious goals. That said, I’m proud of the strong and united team we’ve begun to build — one that’s committed to the highest standards and aligned around a clear vision for sustained growth. Laying that foundation has been one of the most meaningful early milestones of my time here.

Q. How has your leadership style evolved throughout your career, and how do you apply it at Hanwha to develop talent?

I grew up in a culture where authority and seniority were highly respected, and my education was very rigorous and theoretical. Over time, especially working internationally, I had to adapt and evolve. I’ve learned that being effective means being flexible, and I’ve reshaped my leadership style to fit different environments.

At Hanwha, I bring all of that with me. I lead by being direct and transparent, not for the sake of it, but because I believe that’s how we grow. I also care deeply about talent development. We’re investing in training, bringing in strategic capabilities, and empowering people to take ownership of our success.

Q. How would you describe Hanwha’s company culture and values?

Hanwha’s culture is one of the things that stood out to me immediately. The company’s values closely align with my own: ambitious yet humble, professional and precise, respectful and creative. That combination creates a strong foundation for innovation and excellence, and it’s one of the reasons I felt a strong connection to Hanwha from the very beginning.

About Carlo Scarlata

Carlo Scarlata has more than 23 years of leadership experience in the cable and materials industry. His background spans B2B sales, operations, and engineering, and he has worked extensively across international markets. At Hanwha Solutions, he leads the Wire & Cable Division, overseeing the development of advanced cable insulation materials for global energy infrastructure.

Keep up with Carlo on LinkedIn.