SAGE delivers end-to-end industrial digitalisation solutions across the defence, energy, manufacturing, resources, smart cities, transport, and water sectors, across every state and territory in Australia. These solutions harness the collective capability of SAGE Group, including automation and control delivered by SAGE Automation.

With so many moving parts and a plethora of technology at our disposal – SAGE Automation requires strong leadership to ensure our core offerings blend seamlessly in an ever-evolving digital landscape. 

To address this need and to better connect our Australia-wide team of 700+ people, we are pleased to announce that Justin Kahl is taking on the newly established national role of SAGE Automation Executive General Manager. 

Get to know Justin Kahl, SAGE Automation’s Executive General Manager

Justin Kahl in our SA headquarters, alongside SAGE's Smart, Ambitious, Genuine, Exceptional values.

Starting his journey with SAGE Automation as an apprentice electrician in 1994, Justin Kahl has been with SAGE from the very beginning, becoming a project manager soon after completing his apprenticeship.

Progressing his career with SAGE, Justin quickly moved into a senior project manager role, responsible for managing significant projects throughout their entire project lifecycle. Often managing multiple projects simultaneously, Justin would lead and mentor a team of project managers, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes for clients.

For the past 14 years, Justin has been responsible for growing the SAGE business in various General Manager roles – most recently as the South Australian GM – embracing emerging market opportunities and delivering sustainable, profitable growth.

Underpinning Justin’s leadership qualities is a solid technical background, drawing upon more than 25 years of experience in the electrical automation industry. Continually demonstrating a passion for the business and its clients, Justin knows SAGE and the industries the business serves, inside and out.

We asked Justin five questions about his new role, some industry trends, and the future for automation and digitalisation.

Five questions with Justin Kahl

Congratulations on your new role! What excites you most about the role of Executive General Manager of SAGE Automation?

Thank you, the role is exciting in several ways. I will oversee all facets of operations Australia-wide, fostering strong working relationships with senior executives within the SAGE Group of companies and our major clients.

Justin Kahl (right), with SAGE General Manager SA, Andrew Naffin (middle), and Business Development Manager, Matt Pyke.  

Working closely with our state managers, I will provide a distinct point of escalation for our internal teams to ensure we continue to build the core Automation business through projects that deliver high value for new and existing clients.

With a growing company, it is critical to look at future industry trends and draw them into our planning and client conversations. That will form part of my role, as well as sharing my industry knowledge on how automation has evolved and how we can integrate additional digitalisation solutions to support the needs of our clients.

Will this involve exploring technology and integration best practices?

Exactly, that is a critical part of the offering at SAGE.

In this national leadership role, I will work with our clients and internal state managers to find innovative ways to integrate broader digitalisation solutions and products that further accelerate digital journeys.

SAGE Automation is well known for its best thinking in automation and control. My role will support the wider SAGE Group business on how best to utilise our services, products, and offerings and, in turn, communicate with our internal teams and clients when other solutions may enhance their outcomes.

Many current and upcoming solutions address key industry concerns utilising new and emerging technologies. Organisations want to run safer, more efficiently, and with a smaller environmental and geographical footprint, all while using leaner resources. Technology can be a key enabler, but it requires making the right choice on the solution first.

I will play a key role in developing and sustaining high-quality relationships with current and potential SAGE partners and vendors to ensure our clients have the right technology for their unique requirements.

Justin announces the launch of SAGE's Reflect RAP to the South Australian team.

What benefits do you see this technology bringing to the external market?

We are fortunate that our exposure to different sectors, projects, and client needs means we see both the good and the not-so-good in technology. This knowledge can be hugely valuable for our clients to sift through and find the best solutions to avoid common pitfalls.

SAGE’s engineers understand the importance of encouraging customers to ask the right questions of our vendors to help with decision-making.

Does that mean we help clients or project teams to avoid common mistakes?

We are good at sharing success stories and lessons learned, and communicating with each other about what works and doesn’t.

This layer of open communication makes for more informed recommendations to our clients and project partners.

Finally, what is the most rewarding thing about your work?

Delivering technical solutions for our clients has always been the most rewarding part of working with SAGE. Another big part of my journey has been helping people to develop professionally, and I am pleased to continue this in my new role.

As the Executive General Manager at SAGE Automation, I look forward to sharing my experience and knowledge across the broader national business, supporting our clients to accelerate their digital journeys.

SAGE are clear frontrunners when it comes to innovation, problem-solving and providing solutions across a range of industries. Read some of our latest success stories here.