Former Actrol boss David Willett has been appointed CEO of mechanical services contracting firm AE Smith.
Willett steps into the role made vacant by Andrew Permezel‘s promotion to executive chairman.
Incredibly, Willett is the first externally appointed CEO at the company in 116 years.
He began his career as a project engineer at Honeywell, progressing quickly through the ranks to vice president and general manager.
Willett left Honeywell in 2004 and since then has led a number of organisations, including Pacific National, Chubb and Spectrum Fire, during periods of great change.
He is no stranger to AE Smith and was involved with the Actrol national purchasing agreement, which is helping AE Smith leverage its considerable buying power.
Willett was also a guest speaker at the 2013 AE Smith Recognition Awards.
“AE Smith has an enviable reputation in our industry that spans decades,” Willett said. “You can’t fake a track record of integrity, a helping spirit or a genuine care for your people and customers.
“Taking part in last year’s Recognition Awards, I was able to experience AE Smith’s culture and character first hand, as it was being celebrated. It is a team galvanised by a set of values that helps breed success. It is a team I want to lead.”
Willett said he was also excited to work with Andrew Permezel “exploring the potential of what we might achieve leading AE Smith together.”
