Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US Announces CEO Transition to Andrew Kelso

SUWANEE, Georgia — Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US LLC announced that CEO Mark Kuntz will retire March 31. Andrew Kelso, the company’s chief operating officer, will succeed Kuntz as CEO.

Kuntz will remain in an advisory role during a transition period and will work with company leadership, customers, distributors, and partners to support the leadership change.

Kuntz concludes a 16-year career with Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS), during which the company expanded its presence in the U.S. market and advanced adoption of ductless, ducted mini-split, and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heat pump systems.

Among his initiatives, Kuntz helped secure the first Target store installation using CITY MULTI VRF systems and established the company’s first major national account with Kroger Co. He also oversaw the creation of the Mitsubishi Electric–Ingersoll Rand joint venture in 2018 that formed METUS.

Kuntz also led the development of the company’s Solutions Design Center to strengthen U.S.-focused engineering capabilities and helped establish the METUS Business Operating System as part of a values-based LEAN transformation.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to work with a very talented team at METUS,” Kuntz said in a statement. “Through their expertise and our shared commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, we’ve built a company that has helped change the course of the HVAC industry.”

Kuntz also represented the company in policy discussions in Washington, D.C., supporting initiatives that encourage adoption of all-climate, variable-capacity heat pump technology, including federal rebates and tax credit programs. He also worked with policymakers during the industry transition to A2L refrigerants.

Mike Corbo, executive officer and president and CEO of Mitsubishi Electric US Holdings, said Kuntz’s leadership contributed to innovation and operational growth across the organization.

Having worked alongside Kuntz during several of the company’s major milestones, Kelso brings operational and financial experience to the role. Kelso joined METUS in 2018 as chief financial officer and became chief operating officer in 2022.

Kelso said the company plans to continue building on its strategy and capabilities as demand grows for all-climate HVAC systems.

“METUS is entering its next phase from a position of strength,” Kelso said. “Thanks to Mark’s leadership and the work of our team, we have the right strategy, capabilities, and culture in place to continue expanding our leadership in all-climate HVAC solutions.”

Note: This piece was created with the help of generative AI tools and edited by our content team for clarity and accuracy.