Ilias Katsoulis, managing director of Hubbard Products praised Mr Stoddart's commitment and contribution to its development in recent years: “We have relied on Dougie’s leadership and insights in shaping and building our management team. Dougie has been a popular mentor and his pragmatic approach has been a consistent factor through his decades with the company.” 

Mr Stoddart joined Hubbard Taylor Group in June 1987 as regional sales manager. In 1996 he was appointed brewery manager for sales of cellar cooling systems and then made commercial manager responsible for all Hubbard Products Commercial business in 2001. He was appointed commercial director in April 2008. 

Mr Stoddart commented that he enjoyed his many years as manager for brewery products, involving visiting numerous breweries and the need to sample and understand their products.  

When asked what his plans for retirement are, he replied: “Simply to enjoy it”. 

Scott Kavanagh will take the role of head of commercial business. He joins Hubbard Products from the Carter Thermal Industries Group. His 30-year career spans refrigeration engineering, key account management, and business development. Mr Katsoulis welcomed Mr Kavanagh to the Hubbard Products senior executive cohort and said: “Scott brings a raft of new ideas and skills. We look forward to working with him in developing new products and approaches to the commercial refrigeration sector.”