The movers and shakers in HVAC&R
CIBSE has appointed Dave Cooper as its new President. Meanwhile, AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek has announced he will step down from his role.
Who are the new leaders shaping the HVAC&R industry?
HVAC technicians and contractors may see shifts in industry direction as two major bodies change leadership. New priorities could affect standards and training.
Key takeaways
- Dave Cooper has been welcomed as the new President of CIBSE.
- AHRI CEO Stephen Yurek has announced he will step down from his position.
- Leadership changes at major industry bodies can influence future standards and policy directions.
Related
World Ozone Day: marking a decade of the Kigali amendment
September 16 marks the 10th anniversary of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. The 2026 World Ozone Day theme is 'Global action for a cooler planet', reflecting on a decade of international progress on ozone protection.
Why it matters: HVAC and refrigeration technicians handling refrigerants may see continued regulatory pressure on phasing out high-GWP substances under Kigali commitments.
Weaving connections, shining a light
World Refrigeration Day founder Stephen Gill has launched Global HVACR Women Week, running 25–31 October 2026. Gill will visit Australia and speak at AIRAH's Women of AIRAH Summit in Melbourne on 27 October.
Why it matters: HVAC technicians and refrigeration mechanics may want to engage with or attend industry events tied to this global initiative in Melbourne.
Make you sure have a license to thrive
The Australian Refrigeration Council has reminded permit holders to ensure compliance as Commonwealth Penalty Units have recently increased, raising the cost of non-compliance fines.
Why it matters: Affects refrigeration and HVAC tradespeople holding ARC permits. Higher penalty units mean bigger fines for non-compliance, hitting business finances harder.