With over 20 years of experience across the utilities, HVAC and industrial sectors, Richard possesses a wealth of knowledge in pump and water-delivery applications, with his most recent position being the managing director of Xylem Water Solutions Ireland.

His aim is to utilise his expertise and the solutions within the wider Wilo global platform to grow the Wilo Ireland business and team. Alongside this, Richard’s ambition is to deliver on best practice with sustainability, with this being a key factor in why he chose to take the role.

Richard said: “I am delighted to be joining Wilo Ireland at such a great point in its journey. The strides that Wilo has been making as a group with regards to sustainability is what initially drew me to the position. As four-time winners of the top EcoVadis platinum sustainability rating, and with climate-neutral factories all across Europe, Wilo’s emphasis on environmental consciousness mirrors my own ideals of prioritising eco-friendly practice across building services, water management and industry.

“In my new role, I plan to continue the award-winning work of Wilo Group, transferring that global knowledge here in Ireland, so that our buildings and water management infrastructure becomes ever-greener, and we can accelerate toward our environmental targets.“

Richard’s appointment comes at a critical point for the Ireland and its infrastructure, water and energy landscape, with reports about how the country is facing challenges with electricity demand potentially outstripping supply. With this in mind, Richard’s immediate focus is supporting the industry with unlocking energy efficiencies, with the business able to offer energy audits, identifying old, inefficient pumps in commercial applications and supplying modern alternatives for retrofitting.

He also intends to improve water management systems in Ireland, taking a lead from Wilo UK, which recently launched its end-to-end water treatment package to help water companies in their ongoing infrastructure upgrades.

Lee Tebbatt, managing director of Wilo UK, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Richard to the Wilo family. Through his previous experience and success in the industry, he will be invaluable to the development of Wilo Ireland. With his commitment to sustainability, water security and energy utilisation, he embodies Wilo’s mission. I look forward to seeing the growth of Wilo in Ireland.”