John Otterson has been named the new chairman of air conditioning specialists Coolair Equipment.

The nationwide firm, which has offices in Kent, Manchester and Cannock, provides units for offices, hotels, shopping centres and even football stadiums.

Mr Otterson was previously managing director of the firm, based at its Turkey Mill office in Maidstone.

He will be replaced as MD by Midlands-based Neil Gibbard.

Mr Otterson said: “Having joined Coolair 36 years ago I’ve seen and been a key part of many changes in the equipment we sell, the services we provide and the clients we serve. One of the real pleasures has also been seeing so many younger people join us over the years and grow to become key members of the Coolair family.

“Neil has made an outstanding contribution since joining the team in 2001 and fitted in right from the start. Myself and the whole management team are delighted to be helping him lead Coolair into a strong and secure future.”

As MD, Mr Gibbard Neil will manage the day-to-day running of Coolair’s Manchester HQ and Midlands office, with the Maidstone office remaining under the control of regional director Mark Garstang.

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