NEWS & APPOINTMENTS Appointments
Groupe Atlantic and Paloma Rheem announce the signing of an agreement to create a global leader in HVAC solutions
An agreement has been signed under which Paloma Rheem Holdings Co., Ltd. (“Paloma Rheem”) will acquire a majority stake in Groupe Atlantic. Amid ongoing global consolidation in the HVAC sector and increasing international competition, this transaction unites two complementary companies – geographically, technologically, and industrially – to create a global market leader.
Paloma Rheem Holdings is a leading air and water company, operating both air conditioning and water heating businesses. The group is comprised of Paloma and General in Japan, and Rheem in the United States, and is primarily engaged in the manufacturing and sales of air conditioning, water heating, heating, and kitchen equipment. Groupe Atlantic and Fujitsu General (“General”), a subsidiary of PRH, have been in a partnership for over 30 years, with Groupe Atlantic serving as General’s distributor for air conditioning equipment in France and Benelux. In 2022, the two companies also established a joint-venture to locally manufacture ATW (Air-to-Water) systems. Groupe Atlantic will maintain its headquarters in France and will continue to operate as an independent company within the Paloma Rheem group. Some of Groupe Atlantic’s long-standing family shareholders will retain minority stakes, and the current management team remains in place to continue implementing their strategic and operational plan “This partnership with Paloma Rheem, a century-old family-owned group with which we share a long-term vision and common values, represents a tremendous development opportunity for Groupe Atlantic. Paloma Rheem has consistently demonstrated its ability to invest in the companies it acquires and to support their long-term growth while granting significant autonomy to local operational management. In a context of heightened international competition, this transaction provides us with the means to sustainably strengthen our competitiveness while accelerating our transition toward thermodynamic solutions,” said Damien Carroz, Chairman of the Management Board of Groupe Atlantic. The transaction is subject to the receipt of the required regulatory approvals and is expected to close mid-2026.
Chris Ainger becomes BPF Pipes Group president
Chris Ainger of Naylor Drainage Ltd is the newly appointed President of the BPF Pipes Group. Chris is managing director of Naylor and brings
more than 20 years of expertise in operational excellence, strategic growth and stakeholder leadership. With a strong record of improving performance, quality and sustainability across complex manufacturing environments, Chris joined Naylor in March 2025 to help build their vision. Prior to joining Naylor, Chris was General Manager at IPL Schoeller, who manufacture customised injection and blow moulded packaging solutions for food, consumer, agriculture, automotive, logistics and environmental markets, leading large teams and delivering significant improvements in efficiency, profitability and customer service. His career includes senior roles in quality, health and safety, engineering and divisional leadership across sectors such as plastics, electrical distribution, medical devices and advanced manufacturing. With an MBA, a foundation in mechanical engineering and extensive accreditation in quality and safety systems, Chris is known for developing high-performing teams, strengthening supply chains and driving sustainable business growth. His leadership will support the continued advancement of high-quality, sustainable pipe systems across the UK. The BPF Pipes Group welcome Chris to the helm and look forward to the steer and support that Chris will offer.
Ventilation expert returns to Breathing Buildings
Worcester Bosch announces retirement of CEO, Carl Arntzen
Heating multi-tech manufacturer Worcester Bosch has announced that its chief executive, Carl Arntzen, will be retiring in early 2026. He will be succeeded by current sales & marketing director, Jo Shepherd, who has been with the business on its legal board since 2022.
Carl joined the business as one of the first interns for Worcester Heat Systems in the early 80’s and became a Design Engineer in 1985. He then developed through a number of functions including Engineering, Product Management, Field Service and Sales. He was appointed chief executive in 2011. During his tenure, he made a significant contribution to the business as it has grown as well as leading the business through a period of operational continuity within a changing market environment. Speaking of his departure, Carl commented: “I’m incredibly proud of what Worcester Bosch has achieved during the last decade. We have navigated a fast-evolving market, introduced new technologies to our portfolio, and continued to grow and foster our loyal installer base. All whilst delivering efficient and reliable warmth to homes across the UK. “Although I am looking forward to my retirement, I leave with fond memories of my time at the company. I will miss my colleagues – many who have become close friends – and the customers and connections I’ve made across the heating industry over the years. Jo has proven she is a brilliant leader who will guide the company through the next stage of its evolution. I’m proud to hand over the reins to her and wish her the best of luck.” Jo Shepherd is an award-winning senior business leader with over two decades of experience across sales, marketing and customer strategy. Since joining, she has led Worcester Bosch through the rapidly changing industry, enabling the company’s evolution into a multi-tech heating manufacturer.
4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER FEBRUARY 2026
Breathing Buildings, a pioneer of hybrid ventilation systems, has announced the return of Huw Poppy in his new role as operations director. Huw, who originally joined Breathing Buildings in 2011 and previously held the position of Sales Director, brings 20 years of experience in the ventilation sector. He returns with extensive expertise across low- energy ventilation design, project delivery, and on-site technical support. Widely respected across the industry, Huw has built long-standing relationships with consultants, architects, and contractors. He is also currently the Secretary of the CIBSE Natural Ventilation Group, giving him strong insight into both current best practice and the future direction of ventilation design. In his new role, Huw will be responsible for strengthening operational performance
across product development, technical design, and servicing. He will also work closely with consultants and M&E contractors, providing technical support from initial early design stages through to installation and commissioning. Commenting on his return, Huw Poppy said: “Breathings Buildings pioneered hybrid ventilation and has continued to build on an exceptional depth of experience across a wide range of applications from offices to schools. The business has grown significantly since I first joined, particularly in its technical capability and service offering. I am thrilled to have returned to the company at such an exciting time and look forward to supporting consultants and contractors in delivering low-energy ventilation solutions that make a genuine difference to building performance and energy consumption.” “We are excited to have Huw back with the Breathing Buildings team, he has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the company and in natural and hybrid ventilation. With significant investment in additional manufacturing capability and a continued focus on innovation, 2026 is shaping up to a very exciting year for the business,” said Alexis Roberts, Channel marketing manager at Breathing Buildings. Since Huw first worked at Breathing Buildings, the company has further invested in its manufacturing and expanded its product range. The company now provides an entire range of ventilation, including natural, hybrid, and mechanical ventilation, ensuring it has the right solution to suit a wide range of commercial applications. Looking ahead, Huw is set to focus on expanding the company’s product range even
further, enhancing its technical design services, and providing ventilation servicing to ensure occupants can benefit from healthy, comfortable, well-ventilated environments. This ensures systems continue to perform at optimum levels throughout their lives, providing energy-efficient ventilation that achieves good indoor air quality and thermal comfort.
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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