HVCA appoints new chief executive designate

The post of chief executive designate was created following the decision of current chief executive Robert Higgs OBE to retire in July of this year.

Mr Judd will work closely with Mr Higgs over the next few months, and will progress to the role of chief executive on Monday 25 July.

A chartered engineer and fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Mr Judd served as operations director of sector skills council SummitSkills for three years from 2003 to 2006, and for the past five has been chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering.

Mr Judd also spent a decade with the Electricity Association, during which he rose to the position of director of education standards and training.

HVCA president Martin Burton said: “Most importantly, however, we were deeply impressed by Blane’s determination, and perceived ability, to square up to the many challenges presently facing the Association, further to develop its profile with a broad range of stakeholders, and to grow it’s membership across building services engineering.”

Mr Judd added: “I look forward to the opportunity to raise the status and enhance the effectiveness of the Association even further – and to develop the added value the HVCA already provides to its members.”