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EPEE appoints Russell Patten as director general

BELGIUM: EPEE has appointed Russell Patten, former CEO of its corporate affairs company Grayling, as its new director general.

In his role at Grayling, Patten had been advising EPEE, which represents the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industry in Europe, since 2003. He left Grayling in June.

During his time at Grayling, he spent time 15 years as secretary general of Transfrigoroute International, the temperature-controlled logistics association, and 12 years as secretary general of the European Ventilation Association (EVIA). He also spent two years as president of the British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium.

Prior to joining Grayling he spent eight years at Hill+Knowlton, the US  public relations consultancy, latterly as EMEA vice president of public affairs.

Describing his move as “an exciting time to join EPEE”, Patten said he would ensure that EPEE remained a “key contributor” to the development of effective policies for the refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump sector “that enables a faster transition away from fossil fuels and longterm sustainability”.

“Russell ,who is already familiar with EPEE, brings considerable expertise and experience and we look forward to collaborating with him to take EPEE to the next level focusing on open and transparent dialogue with decision-makers, building partnerships with like-minded organisations to strengthen our members’ voice and work together with all stakeholders to find optimal solutions,” stated EPEE president Andrea Vallejo.

His appointment follows the sudden departure of Folker Franz, last month. 

Related stories:

Folker Franz leaves EPEE – 8 November 2022
BELGIUM: Folker Franz, director general of EPEE, the body representing the European refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industry, has left the organisation. Read more…

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