Bob Cowlard has been appointed managing director of Daikin Applied (UK) Ltd.

He will be responsible for the day to day running of the business and his appointment will enable the company to move onto the next stage of its development and growth following the name change from McQuay (UK) Ltd in April this year.

Bob’s extensive HVAC industry experience includes UK distribution, leading European roles at another Japanese manufacturer as well as most recently the managing director’s role at electronic controls company Carel.

He said: “I feel very fortunate to have this chance as it is one of those rare opportunities where the new MD gets to join an already successful business with an existing senior management team in place, as no one is leaving to make space for me, this allows me the chance to review the business and then focus upon the improvements that I can bring. Having Jim Henley leading the sales I know that these will go from strength to strength, so whilst not wanting to pre-empt anything at this stage, I do know that I will be focusing a good amount of my time at the manufacturing facility at Cramlington and also upon the marketing and brand positioning of the product range, both the current and the future development that we will put In place.”

Bob continued: “No one needs to be reminded what the Daikin name represents in the air conditioning market and it is now clear that the same market leading approach needs to be brought to the Applied (AHU & Chiller) side of the business. To some people it is not clear what the difference between the two businesses is in the UK, in short, it is all about the sales channel and customer experience but I’m hoping that in the next few months that will become much clearer as the Daikin Applied offering is strengthened.”