Smardt Names Sandeep Nair Chief Executive Officer; Albert Yam Transitions to Board

Smardt Names Sandeep Nair Chief Executive Officer; Albert Yam Transitions to Board

Sandeep Nair, Chief Executive Officer

Dorval, Canada, July 8, 2026 – Smardt, a pioneer and global leader in oil-free centrifugal chiller technology, today announced the appointment of Sandeep Nair as Chief Executive Officer. Sandeep takes the helm as Smardt extends its oil-free heritage into a broader portfolio of thermal management solutions and deepens its position in fast-growing markets led by AI-driven data centers. He succeeds Albert Yam, who transitions to Executive Director on Smardt’s Board.

Sandeep is a seasoned global executive with more than two decades of president-level leadership at Emerson Electric across the HVAC, data center, telecom and industrial sectors. He has managed businesses ranging from $100 million to over $1 billion in revenue, with responsibility for operations across North America, Europe and Asia.

He previously served as President, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa at Copeland (formerly Emerson Commercial & Residential Solutions), where he delivered record profitability and cash flow, accelerated growth and successfully led portfolio transformation. Across his career, he has built a reputation for value creation by driving growth, operational excellence and business transformation, with deep expertise in lean methodologies, manufacturing consolidation, product platform development, and strategic portfolio actions including acquisitions and divestitures.


“On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to welcome Sandeep as Chief Executive Officer,” said Albert Yam, Executive Director of Smardt’s Board.”His track record of scaling global businesses and his depth in our core markets make him the right leader for Smardt’s next chapter, and I look forward to supporting him in this role.”


Smardt enters this transition from a position of strength, with an installed base of over 12,000 oil-free chillers operating worldwide and manufacturing across five countries. Building on its leadership in oil-free centrifugal technology, the company has expanded into heat pumps and air-side systems through its Smardt AIR division, broadening its role in the buildings and infrastructure its customers depend on.

Sandeep’s mandate centers on this next phase of growth: strengthening Smardt’s position in critical infrastructure for AI-driven data centers, where he brings direct experience having led the creation of a new business platform for turnkey data centers, while extending the company’s reach into adjacent markets including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, new energy, green building projects, and infrastructure.

“I am honored to lead Smardt at such a pivotal stage in its journey,” said Sandeep Nair, Chief Executive Officer of Smardt. “Smardt’s leadership in oil-free technology and the strength of its global teams provide an exceptional foundation, and I look forward to working with our talented teams worldwide to accelerate growth, build on the strong legacy of innovation and deliver greater value across our business, for our customers, employees, and partners alike.”

As CEO, Sandeep will work closely with the Board to strengthen Smardt’s management infrastructure, advance its digital transformation, and reinforce corporate governance.



About Smardt

As a global leader in oil-free centrifugal chiller technology with an expanding portfolio of thermal management solutions, Smardt is dedicated to delivering high-efficiency and energy-saving systems for industries, real estate developments, health care and educational centers worldwide. We operate manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, Germany, China, and Australia, with a team of over 1,000 employees. With a focus on reliability, performance, and environmental stewardship, Smardt continues to redefine industry standards through advanced engineering and a commitment to a more sustainable future.


Media Contact  

Cam Whitelaw 

cam.whitelaw@smardt.com 

A great evening with ASHRAE Montréal

Our own Nick Agopian joined our partners Enertrak Inc. to share what’s next for Smardt, and to introduce Smardt AIR, our new airside business in the Americas.

 

Smardt AIR brings custom and semi-custom air handling units, alongside a broader portfolio of airside solutions. With a focus on indoor air quality and energy recovery, it’s a meaningful expansion of what Smardt can deliver to consulting engineers, contractors, and building owners – pairing our oil-free centrifugal chiller heritage with purpose-built airside equipment.

 

Thank you to ASHRAE Montréal for the warm reception, and to the Enertrak team for the continued partnership.

 

More to come on Smardt AIR in the weeks ahead.

Inside Smardt Melbourne: Leadership Visit & Facility Tour

Several members of Smardt’s executive leadership team spent time on the ground at our Melbourne manufacturing facility – connecting with the team, walking the floor, and seeing firsthand the craftsmanship that goes into every chiller built in Bayswater North.

 

Thanks to the Melbourne team for the hospitality and, more importantly, for the work they do every day. As Smardt continues to expand globally, it’s the dedication of people at each of our sites that powers what comes next.

Amazing three days at ARBS 2026 in Melbourne, Australia

This year’s ARBS Expo in MCEC Melbourne brought strong momentum and meaningful engagement across the HVAC community. From deep discussions led by our experts to the steady flow of conversations throughout the booth, we had the opportunity to meet with clients and partners to showcase our latest solutions and exchange perspectives on the future of high-performance cooling and air side technologies.


Beyond the exhibition floor, the presence of key members of Smardt’s management team added a significant milestone to the week, as they officially took part in the inauguration of our new Sydney office. In addition, they visited our Melbourne facility for a comprehensive tour, connecting directly with the local team and gaining firsthand insight into the craftsmanship and innovation driving our operations in Australia.

 

These moments of connection reflect the strength of our partnerships and the continued growth of Smardt in the Asia Pacific region.


To everyone who took the time to visit us in Melbourne, thank you for the conversations, collaboration, and continued trust.


Looking ahead to what’s next.

Smardt’s role in reducing energy costs in Singapore

Rising electricity costs in Singapore are making headlines – and our chillers are part of the solution.

 

A recent CNA segment featured a Smardt oil-free chiller plant delivering up to 30% energy savings for a major commercial property, without compromising occupant comfort.

 

In tropical climates, HVAC is the single biggest energy expense. Our oil-free centrifugal chillers are engineered for exactly this: best-in-class part-load efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and savings that compound year over year.

 

The smartest investment a building owner can make is in the equipment that runs 24/7.

 

CNA | Alexandra Anand

Showcasing Data Center Cooling Expertise in Guangzhou, China

On March 21, 2026, our Asia Pacific team took part in a data center industry promotion event held in Guangzhou, China. The event brought together key stakeholders from across the sector, including enterprise representatives, design institutes, and architectural firms.

 

Representing Smardt, our Technical Director Arken Yu delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the company’s brand evolution, diverse product portfolio, and strong market position. Particular emphasis was placed on Smardt’s technical leadership in magnetic bearing centrifugal chiller solutions, and their growing relevance in meeting the performance and efficiency demands of modern data centers.

Another successful AHR Expo for Smardt!

Incredible three-days at AHR Expo 2026.

 

From in-depth technical discussions led by our Smardt experts to the steady flow of conversations happening throughout the booth, the week had real momentum.

Beyond the show floor, our partner events gave us the chance to reconnect, strengthen long-standing relationships, and make new ones, the kind of moments that remind us why this industry is as much about people as it is about technology.

 

Looking ahead, the energy from AHR is carrying straight into a pivotal year for Smardt:
– Smardt AIR : officially launching our new airside HVAC product family, beginning with air handling units designed specifically for the North American market
– Phoenix, Arizona : announcing a new manufacturing facility, with production scheduled to begin in Q3 2026

 

To everyone who spent time with us in Las Vegas, thank you for the conversations, the collaboration, and the continued partnership.

 

See you in Chicago next year!

Smardt AIR launching in Phoenix, AZ

Today at AHR Expo, we are pleased to announce that Smardt AIR will design, manufacture, and assemble custom and semi-custom commercial air-handling equipment in Phoenix, Arizona, expanding our footprint with Made-in-America airside solutions built specifically for the North American market.

 

Smardt AIR is the latest segment of the Smardt Group, building on more than 20 years of leadership in high-efficiency, oil-free chiller technology.

 

Operating with its own dedicated infrastructure, Smardt AIR complements Smardt’s liquid cooling portfolio by extending the same focus on performance, energy efficiency, and reliability into air handling.

 

The platform combines internationally proven air-handling technology with equipment engineered to North American codes, standards, and applications, supported by local engineering and manufacturing.

 

AHU production is planned to begin in Q3 2026. More to come.

Smardt welcomes Nick Agopian, as Director of Sales for its Smardt AIR division

We’re excited to welcome Nick Agopian to Smardt as Director of Sales, Smardt AIR.

 

Smardt AIR is Smardt’s newest global product family, with air handling units as the first offering, and more air-side solutions to follow. The business is anchored by our new Phoenix, Arizona, facility, where Smardt AIR will design, engineer, and manufacture Made-in-America HVAC solutions for the North American market. While Smardt AIR is being built as a global platform, Nick will lead the growth of the North American business from day one.

 

Nick brings deep HVAC industry experience, a strong understanding of the North American market, and a practical, customer-first mindset. As Smardt AIR scales, he’ll focus on execution, building the sales organization, supporting market entry, and working closely with customers and partners to deliver high-performance, semi-custom and custom air-side solutions developed and produced in Phoenix to meet real-world application needs.

 

Nick’s arrival marks an important step as Smardt expands beyond chillers, building on our legacy of engineering-led innovation, manufacturing excellence, and long-term efficiency.

 

Looking forward to what’s ahead as Smardt AIR continues to take shape.

Smardt Further Commits to Sustainability Through UN Global Compact Membership

Press Release:

 

Dorval, Canada, Dec. 11, 2025 – Smardt is proud to announce the company has become a signatory of the United Nations (U.N.) Global Compact, a global corporate initiative for the advancement of responsible business practices.

 

With this voluntary pledge, Smardt joins thousands of companies who are committed to taking responsible business action and to creating a positive impact on the world.

 

«At Smardt, we believe sustainability and responsible business go hand in hand”, said Albert Yam, Chief Executive Officer of Smardt. “Joining the U.N. Global Compact reinforces our commitment to doing what’s right for our people, our customers and our business partners while contributing to the protection of our planet through innovative climate solutions. We’re thrilled to be part of this global corporate movement. »

 

This strategic alignment underscores Smardt’s resolve to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By prioritizing on energy efficiency and decarbonization in the built environment, and by supporting communities in adapting to global warming through resilient social infrastructure, Smardt seeks to make measurable contributions to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities).

 

As part of this commitment, Smardt will work on upholding the U.N. Global Compact’s Ten Principles which encompass human rights, labour, environment, and the fight against corruption. The company also pledges to publish an annual report detailing its ongoing efforts to embed the Principles in its strategy, culture, and day-to-day operations. This commitment will enhance Smardt’s existing disclosures pursuant to Canada’s Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act and to Australia’s Modern Slavery Act.

 

Launched in 2000, the U.N. Global Compact is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world, with more than 25,000 participant companies based in 167 countries.

 

About Smardt

As a global leader in oil-free centrifugal chiller technology with an expanding portfolio of thermal management solutions, Smardt is dedicated to delivering high-efficiency and energy-saving systems for industries, real estate developments, health care and educational centers worldwide. We operate manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, Germany, China, and Australia, with a team of over 900 employees. With a focus on reliability, performance, and environmental stewardship, Smardt continues to redefine industry standards through advanced engineering and a commitment to a more sustainable future.