judges

I am an associate member of the IOR and a STEM Ambassador, working as a proposal engineer at Cotswold Energy Group. I completed my master’s degree in Building Services Engineering at the Slovak Technical University in Bratislava. I moved to the UK and became a CAD designer at FlaktGroup (GEA), where I designed close control units. After seven years, I transitioned to West Mercia Air Conditioning, where I gained estimating experience. I joined Arctic Circle, a renewables refrigeration company, in 2022 as a design engineer and moved to Vital Energi as development engineer in 2023.

Judged Categories: Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Accessories, Heat Pumps, Training, CSR, People/Business

Managing Director of BITZER UK, with 40 years' experience in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

A past-President of the Institute of Refrigeration (IOR), Kevin's wide-ranging career has spanned technical, management and latterly senior leadership roles, much of it with leading compressor specialist BITZER.

He gained City & Guilds qualifications in engineering at Uxbridge College, followed by experience in technical sales at APV Hall Commercial with responsibility for BITZER and Fincoil.

Kevin's area of expertise expanded with the addition of technical responsibility for Bristol compressors, Friga-Bohn coolers and condensers and SWEP plate heat exchangers.

Following the acquisition of the company by BITZER, Kevin was promoted to Engineering Manager of BITZER UK in 1997, spearheading the development of pack building and manufacture of bespoke condensing units, before becoming MD in 2011.

As well as being elected IOR president, Kevin has served as a member of the IOR's Board of Trustees and Membership Committee.

Judged Categories: Air Conditioning, Accessories, Heat Pumps, Training, Humidity, People/Business

Damian Wiszniewski has been deeply involved in the refrigeration industry for many years. He is a dedicated member of the IOR, serving on the Board of Trustees and chairing the Membership Committee. Locally, Damian is the Vice Chair of the Hampshire Refrigeration Society (HRS) and the Chair of the South West and South Wales Refrigeration Society (SWRS), working hard to support and improve the refrigeration industry in these areas. Professionally, Damian is the UK&I Sales Manager for Carrier VRF and DX products.

Judged Categories: Humidity, CSR, People/Business

An experienced sales manager with a solid foundation in customer service in the refrigeration manufacturing sector. She has played key roles in driving innovation to meet end user requirements. Whilst meeting regulations. Amy has experience in leading apprenticeship initiatives to ensure the skills gap is narrowed and takes great pride in mentoring and supporting the next generation within the industry.

Judged Categories: Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Accessories, Heat Pumps, Training, CSR, People/Business

A Chartered Marketer and Member of the Institute of Refrigeration, currently serving as Head of Marketing of Star Refrigeration, Co-Chair of the IOR Women in RACHP Group, and Board Member of INWIC.

With over 20 years in the cooling sector, she has worked to accelerate the adoption of eLearning training methodologies and diversity initiatives across the industry. Her contributions include partnering with UNEP to promote eLearning for RACHP engineers worldwide, eliminating educational barriers, and supporting the introduction of ozone and climate friendly technologies in national HCFC phase-out plans. She also led the Women in RACHP group's gender parity survey to raise awareness and action across the sector.

As an advocate for promoting technical and non-engineering disciplines in cooling, Astrid believes that collaboration drives innovation and plays an important role in creating a more inclusive and sustainable industry. She also shares her expertise as a guest lecturer for MBA students at the University of Glasgow to inspire future business leaders to consider careers in sustainable engineering fields by reinforcing the close connection between business strategy and environmental responsibility.

Judged Categories: Air Conditioning, Accessories, Heat Pumps, Training, Humidity, CSR, People/Business

Commercial Manager at FETA, joined the Federation in May 2015
after a 37 year long career in the chemical industry. Originally working for ICI within
their plastics business, Martyn was involved in the sales and marketing of refrigerants, initially with ICI KLEA and then its antecedents, Ineos Fluor and Mexichem Fluor. His final position was Regional Sales Manager for Northern Europe.

Martyn’s role now includes supporting various sections within several of the member associations of FETA; BRA, HPA and HEVAC. He has also been involved in the launch and promotion of the recent BRA Putting into Use Replacement Refrigerants (PURR) report. Martyn’s future work will include raising the profile of FETA and its member associations and highlighting the benefits of membership of a trade association.

Judged Categories: Refrigeration, ir Conditioning, Accessories, Heat Pumps, Training, People/Business

With 17 years of experience at Fujitsu General Air Conditioning, I have built a strong foundation in the HVAC industry. I started in customer service before transitioning to marketing and now serving as a Distribution Account Manager. Passionate about supporting women in the industry, I actively volunteer with the Women in RACHP committee and have contributed to initiatives like STEMazing, inspiring the next generation of young minds.

Judged Categories: Humidity, CSR, People/Business

Judged Categories: Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Accessories, Heat Pumps, Training, Humidity, CSR, People/Business