In his new role with Haier Europe HVAC based in the UK he will work closely with the company’s country managers and their distributors to extend the customer base. He said: “I’m delighted to be joining Haier Europe HVAC – an agile, fast-paced company open to new ideas. These are exciting times for the industry and Haier has a fantastic range of energy-saving products to offer the market.”

Mr Flint believes it is absolutely paramount that the HVAC industry makes a significant contribution on the road to net zero: “It is very much a conversation we must be having at the moment. There is no single solution to this but I believe that many of our customers are looking to manufacturers to provide the answers.

“Haier’s new energy-saving products and technologies offer high levels of comfort and safer, cleaner air. We are employing low GWP refrigerants to help protect the planet and are exploring more sustainable ways to heat and cool buildings. I have no doubt that air to water heat pump systems will have a key role to play in the domestic and the commercial sectors. Fossil boilers will need to be changed on a large scale and the heat pump is an obvious solution.”

Haier Europe managing director Bob Cowlard said: “I’m delighted to have someone of Deane’s experience and stature joining Haier to spearhead our next stage of expansion in the UK and northern Europe.”

Away from work, Mr Flint and his partner enjoy spending time with their children. He also likes listening to his large CD collection, watching films, reading history and eating out.