Harwood elected AIRAH president
6th February 2017
AUSTRALIA: Ian Harwood, an associate director with contractor Norman Disney & Young, has been elected president of Australian professional body AIRAH.
Harwood’s appointment follows a special meeting of the AIRAH (Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating) board to find a replacement for Ania Hampton, who has had to step down due to ill health.
An AIRAH board director for the past two years, Perth-based Ian Harwood has been an AIRAH member for more than a decade. He previously served as president of AIRAH’s WA division committee.
AIRAH CEO Tony Gleeson says Harwood’s director experience and knowledge of the industry will serve the 97-year-old Institute very well.
“Having worked with Ian over the past 12 months, I’ve seen the passion, experience and strategic nous he brings to the board,” Gleeson says. “I have no doubt his energy, ideas and oversight will serve him and AIRAH well as he assumes this essential role.”
The first female president in AIRAH’s storied history, Hampton has reluctantly left the post. Recently diagnosed with Ross River Fever, she has stepped aside from all her official Institute duties in order to recover as quickly as possible.
“AIRAH owes Ania a debt of gratitude for her commitment, competence and enthusiasm she brought to the role, especially in the sponsorship of the new website and membership platform, and the introduction of the Women of AIRAH initiative,” Gleeson says. “The timing of her illness is really unfortunate, and we all wish her the best in her return to health.”
Boasting 22 years’ experience in the building services industry, including time spent working abroad, Ian Harwood is steeped in the technical side of the industry, he has also been active in the design and management of high-profile projects.
“Having been actively involved in AIRAH for the past decade, I feel extremely proud and honoured to be elected President,” Harwood says. “I know Ania is disappointed to have to step aside, but all the directors understand that the decision was made in her and her family’s best interests.”
