Melbourne, Australia: Following a special meeting of Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heating’s (AIRAH) board, Ian Harwood, M.AIRAH, has been elected President, according to a press communiqué issued by the institute. Hardwood, the communiqué said, replaces Ania Hampton, M.AIRAH, who has stepped aside from the position due to ill health.

Perth-based Harwood, the communiqué revealed, has been an AIRAH board director for the past two years and a member for more than a decade. He previously served as President of AIRAH’s WA division committee, helping to re-energise its monthly seminar program and to grow its membership, it added.

With 22 years’ experience in the building services industry, including time spent working abroad, Harwood is an Associate Director with Norman Disney & Young, based in NDY’s Perth office, said the communiqué. With an avid interest in the technical side of the industry, he has also been active in the design and management of high-profile projects.

Commenting on the appointment, Tony Gleeson, M.AIRAH, CEO of AIRAH, said that Harwood’s director experience and knowledge of the industry will serve the 97-year-old Institute very well. “Having worked with Ian over the past 12 months, I’ve seen the passion, experience and strategic nous he brings to the board,” Gleeson says. “I have no doubt his energy, ideas and oversight will serve him and AIRAH well as he assumes this essential role.”

“Having been actively involved in AIRAH for the past decade, I feel extremely proud and honoured to be elected President,” Harwood says.

Harwood says there are changes afoot in the HVAC&R industry affecting people management, design and construction methodologies, sustainability best practice, controls and documentation practices.

“Change is the status quo, and the landscape is very different today to what it was even five years ago” Harwood says. “Assisting our industry adapt to and embrace this is a continuing challenge, but one that AIRAH is well prepared to address.”