After a decade of service, Ian Hopkins will be stepping down as chair of the ARBS Foundation, with Simon Bradwell set to take the reins.
Since its inception in 2014, the Foundation has awarded more than $500,000 in grants to initiatives that build knowledge and develop skills within the HVACR industry.
Under Hopkins’ steady leadership, the Foundation has grown into a key contributor to education and research in the HVACR sector.
He brought with him deep industry knowledge from his time with engineering firm Norman Disney & Young, which helped guide the Foundation with clarity and purpose.
His focus on supporting meaningful, skill-building initiatives has been instrumental in positioning the Foundation as a respected force within the industry.
Incoming chair, Simon Bradwell, is a well-known industry veteran and will build on Hopkin’s legacy and the Foundation’s mission to support excellence in HVACR education and research.
Bradwell is best known as the managing director of ebm-papst A&NZ Pty Ltd.
Commenting on his appointment, Bradwell said his first task as chair was a strategy meeting involving all of the directors and ARBS CEO, Amanda Searle.
“In Ian, we have had a chair whose experience, insight, and commitment to our goals have shaped the Foundation into what it is today,” Bradwell said.
“All of the Foundation’s directors extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to Ian for his outstanding contribution and leadership.”
Bradwell said a key priority is to increase the Foundation’s visibility. He is also keen to strengthen relationships with key industry groups as the organisation needs to maintain effective communication channels with stakeholders.
He said effective communication is a common challenge faced by engineering-based organisations.