Taking up the post from 1 September 2020, Jose Manuel Alves brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the role, having first joined Panasonic in 2003 as European marketing manager, followed by appointments as country manager for Panasonic’s Nordic region and most recently country manager for France.

This appointment takes place at a pivotal time for the heating and cooling markets, as the UK government unveils new support in the shape of the Green Homes Deal and as the country looks to recover from the impact of the pandemic. 

Mr Alves commented: “I am very pleased to be joining the UK and Irish teams, many of whom I have worked with in past roles. The strength of our distributor network, coupled with new technologies being launched by Panasonic, puts us in a good position for growth.  With a strong focus on innovative technologies such as our commercial refrigeration CO2 range, availability of R32 models throughout the Panasonic range and of course our highly efficient Aquarea air source heat pumps, we have plenty to offer.  I am excited about the possibilities that the latest nanoe X technology will offer in helping to improve indoor air quality and inhibit certain viruses and pollutants. I look forward to working with the team towards a great future together.”

Alfred Armaos, the previous UK and IRE country manager is moving to a new European role within Panasonic as country manager for Germany, Austria & Switzerland. He said: “I have enjoyed my time working with the UK and Irish teams over the past three years and helping to develop the online resources and virtual CPD and technical webinars that are now available to specifiers, consultants and installers. I wish Jose and the team well for what is looking like a positive future for Panasonic.”  Jose has considerable experience in all the Panasonic heating and cooling product ranges, in particular, the Aquarea air source heat pump range, with France being ahead of the curve in offering grants for domestic air source heat pumps to thousands of homes across the country over the past few years.