Sandeep Nair has replaced Albert Yam as CEO at Smardt.
Yam transitions to the role of executive director on Smardt's Board.
Sandeep takes the helm as Smardt extends its oil-free heritage into a broader portfolio of thermal management solutions and deepens its position in fast-growing markets led by AI-driven data centres.
Sandeep is a seasoned global executive with more than two decades of president-level leadership at Emerson Electric across the HVAC, data centre, telecom and industrial sectors. He has managed businesses ranging from $100 million to over $1 billion in revenue, with responsibility for operations across North America, Europe and Asia.
He previously served as president, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa at Copeland (formerly Emerson Commercial & Residential Solutions), where he delivered record profitability and cash flow, accelerated growth and successfully led portfolio transformation.
Across his career, he has built a reputation for value creation by driving growth, operational excellence and business transformation, with deep expertise in lean methodologies, manufacturing consolidation, product platform development, and strategic portfolio actions including acquisitions and divestitures.
Smardt has an installed base of over 12,000 oil-free chillers operating worldwide and manufacturing across five countries.
Building on its leadership in oil-free centrifugal technology, the company has expanded into heat pumps and air-side systems through its Smardt AIR division, broadening its role in the buildings and infrastructure its customers depend on.
"Smardt's leadership in oil-free technology and the strength of its global teams provide an exceptional foundation, and I look forward to working with our talented teams worldwide to accelerate growth, build on the strong legacy of innovation and deliver greater value across our business, for our customers, employees, and partners alike,” Nair said.