Lewis CaliburnAirzone, a manufacturer of HVAC control solutions, has appointed Steven Milnes as UK & Ireland Sales Manager to lead the expansion of its distribution network across the region.
Having spent more than two decades in the HVAC sector working with leading brands including Fujitsu General Air Conditioning, Haier and TF Solutions, Steven brings invaluable industry expertise and a deep understanding of the distribution landscape.
In his new role, Steven will work closely with distribution partners to increase market coverage, strengthen engagement with installers and provide greater accessibility of Airzone’s solutions.
In the UK, Airzone has recently seen a huge increase in the number of domestic AC installations, with the mini VRF and multisplit markets being the fastest growing over the past few years. The growing popularity of heat pumps and smart thermostats also requires more sophisticated control systems, which coupled with the industry’s move towards decarbonisation and energy efficiency means that many users are turning to Airzone solutions to meet local and national regulations.
Steven’s initial focus will be on building Airzone’s distribution network and creating a route to market for installers, while ensuring all partners are fully equipped and trained on its proprietary account management tool. By building a robust and well-supported distributor base, Steven will help accelerate the adoption of Airzone’s products and support the company’s continued growth across the UK and Ireland.
“I was first introduced to Airzone at the Installer Show last year and was immediately impressed by the team, their expertise and the products,” says Steven. “Attending the event again this year in my new role as Sales Manager feels like a real full-circle moment.
“Having seen first-hand the opportunities in the market and Airzone’s unrivalled offering, the UK & Ireland represents a hugely untapped and fruitful region for us. With innovative products, enthusiastic distribution partners and a fantastic support network, we will undoubtedly emulate the success of our Airzone colleagues in the likes of Spain, France, Italy and America.”
Steven’s appointment comes on the heels of another major hire for Airzone in the region. Earlier this year, the HVAC leader announced Sophie Decorte as its New Markets UK & EU Business Development Coordinator, a newly created role designed to support the company’s continued growth and expansion across key European markets.
Fernando de la Cruz Quintanilla, New Markets EMEA Director at Airzone, adds, “The UK and Ireland continues to be a significant growth area for us within the EMEA region. We already have a solid foundation of installers who regularly install our products, but bringing Steven on board to establish our dedicated distribution network is the next phase in our expansion journey.
“By strengthening our local market presence and improving product availability, we are able to better support our existing installer community through faster access to inventory and technical support, while also expanding our reach and growing our network of installers and customers. This will help ensure distributor coverage across the region for all major AC brands and provide a solid basis for sustainable growth.”