HVCA chief executive Robert Higgs is to retire from the Association after 38 years' service.
Mr Higgs, who will celebrate his 65th birthday in May of next year, has been a member of the HVCA executive staff since 1973, and was appointed its chief executive in July 1989.
Commenting on his impending retirement, Mr Higgs said, 'After nearly four decades with the Association - and more than two as chief executive - I am convinced that it is time for me to begin the next phase of my life, although I am aware that it will be hard to say goodbye to the many friends I have made amongst the HVCA's members and staff.'
Robert Higgs was awarded the OBE in the 2006 New Year Honours, in recognition of his services to the heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and refrigeration industry and to the environment.
A process is in hand to appoint his successor, and Mr Higgs will stand down at the 2011 annual general meeting of the Association, which will take place in London on 21 July.