The Vaillant Group - Experts & Thought Leaders

Karen Boswell OBE, Managing Director of Baxi UK and Ireland, has been appointed the new chair of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC). Succeeding the outgoing chair Steve Keeton, Director of External Affairs and Future Portfolio at Vaillant, Karen is the first female chair of the HHIC and is set to lead the membership following the Council’s recent AGM. Innovations and experience Since joining Baxi as Managing Director almost three years ago, Karen has successfully led Baxi at the forefront of innovations in low-carbon technology and installer support as the heating industry looks to decarbonize.  This includes recent work with the Government to make training more affordable and attractive to installers through the Heat Training Grant, which was launched this month. Karen also brings rich experience as a pioneer in the engineering space across multiple industries, most notably the rail industry heading up Hitachi Rail’s UK division. Focus on DEI and growth Karen’s leadership experience and expertise are set to drive forward the HHIC’s focus to net zero In her new role as chair of the HHIC, she brings a strong focus on business improvement and accelerating growth, is passionate about equality, diversity, and inclusion, and has extensive experience in manufacturing, supply chain, and customer service. As the heating industry continues its progress in decarbonization and develops the skills required to achieve it, Karen’s leadership experience and expertise are set to drive forward the HHIC’s focus on advancing the heating industry to net zero. Shaping government policy Karen Boswell OBE said, “I’m delighted and privileged to have been selected to Chair the HHIC Board." "I want to thank Steve Keeton, our outgoing Chair, for his leadership during the incredibly difficult lockdown period we’ve all endured, and for his work despite the challenge of the pandemic, with business transformation, innovation, and helping shape Government policy." Decarbonization of heat and hot water Our members are best placed to provide expert advice to the government" “Our industry is at the forefront of enabling solutions for decarbonizing heat and hot water in UK homes and businesses. The next three years are going to be incredibly important and exciting as we help move customers towards their carbon reduction targets and ambitions." “Our members are best placed to provide expert advice to the government and support the development of the right decarbonization policy that benefits everyone." Skill training and enhancement “One of my clear focus areas will be on growing our skills base to deliver this critical, transformational role. We must attract, train and reward new talent from all walks of life, reflecting the customers and communities we serve." "The decarbonization agenda is a great career opportunity and we need to work better at demonstrating how attractive this sector is; delivering clean heat and hot water in homes and buildings is a fundamental component of our national ambition for net zero.” Technologies in decarbonization There is an exciting opportunity for jobs and making a difference in the UK’s decarbonization journey" Stewart Clements, Director of the HHIC, said, “We are pleased to announce Karen’s appointment as chair following a commendable tenure from the outgoing Chair Steve Keeton. Our industry is at a pivotal and exciting point." "New technologies like heat pumps and hydrogen further down the line mean there is an exciting opportunity for jobs and making a difference in the UK’s decarbonization journey." Bridging the skills gap “However, our research has found that there is a large skills gap that we must fill if we are to make any progress." "Encouraging more people into the industry with a focus on improving diversity, equity, and inclusion is the next crucial step to attracting more people into this exciting sector at a time of great progress and innovation.”

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) is ensuring it continues to support its members from across the wider heating industry. Emerging technologies have prompted a reorganization of the HHIC industry working groups, in order to provide a diverse platform for rigorous discussion on the future of UK heat. The Heating & Hot Water Systems Group brings together manufacturers from across the HHIC membership and parts of EUA to form an ongoing strategy for heating systems. Overarching heating systems Stewart Clements, Director, HHIC said; “By forming the Heating & Hot Water Systems group our intention is to look at the wider system, the journey of a home and the consumer proposition. As the industry navigates low carbon solutions there will be an overarching heating systems approach in how HHIC works with members and lobbies Government.” “There are a variety of relevant topics that require a holistic view and will form the basis for industry discussion in this new group. Such as; Boiler Plus developments, Consumer advice– what advice is required when upgrading or renewing? Hybrids – the stepping stone for off grid in particular. All relevant and exciting topics which require a new, joined up approach and we are delighted that HHIC could offer this to the industry.” Domestic heating pathways It should be our ambition to outline and communicate the relevant building/system use cases" Steve Keeton, Technologies and Training Director at Vaillant Group UK, and Chair of the Heating & Hot Water Systems Group, said; “As we drive towards the UK’s zero carbon targets there are several potential domestic heating pathways to consider. As there will be no ‘silver bullet’ solution for every use case, we need to consider the methodology to assess, design, install, commission and handover the best system solution for different property types.” “We must be more consumer – centric, as system knowledge and understanding prior to purchase and behaviors after installation can really affect the comfort, efficiency and ultimate performance of the system in the eyes of the homeowner. It should be our ambition to outline and communicate the relevant building/system use cases and the different systems’ benefits to derive high customer satisfaction. The assessment, understanding, development and lobbying of the government policies, papers and tools to do this will be the essence of the Systems Group activities.” House energy assessment Dr Elaine Lancaster, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Groupe Atlantic UK, ROI & NA Division and group member, said; “The pathway to low carbon heating goes far beyond a change to the gas boiler; improved efficiency of homes and the capability of heating system design and control is essential. It’s important for consumers and installers that regulations and compliance is rigorous and at the same time straightforward and simple to adopt.” “The end to end process of house energy assessment, correct upgrade design and competent installation must evolve to meet a mass market model to achieve the aspired level in adoption of low carbon heating by the end of the 2020s. One of the intentions of the Systems Group is to inform and support Government and cross-industry work in this aim.”

Stefan Hüttemeister will be the new Marketing Director of the Remscheid-based heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technology specialist Vaillant Group. He will be responsible for the central marketing of the company with its eight brands. The Vaillant Group has subsidiaries in more than 20 countries in Europe and China and exports its products to over 60 countries. “We are pleased to bring Stefan Hüttemeister into the company, who is a skilled marketing specialist. His job will be to continue strengthening the positioning and differentiation of our brands and to support the international growth of the Vaillant Group,” says Dr Andree Groos, Vaillant Group Managing Director for Sales, Marketing and Service. Vocational Training In Advertising Stefan Hüttemeister can draw on more than 25 years of experience, which he acquired both in corporations and in advertising agencies. After vocational training in advertising and studying business administration in Münster, he joined the red cell advertising agency (WPP Group) in Düsseldorf in 2001, where he served as managing director from 2007 to 2012. After the merger with the agency Scholz & Friends (WPP Group) in 2012, Stefan Hüttemeister continued as managing director of the Düsseldorf subsidiary until 2015. In 2015 he moved to the food retail chain Kaufland where he became managing director Marketing International in 2017.