Executive Leadership Team
Ashraf Abdalla
Chief Executive Officer
Ash, CEO of Smardt Group, is a transformational leader with over two decades of global experience in driving corporate achievement through business development, process optimization, and technology leadership. With a proven track record of orchestrating strategic initiatives and delivering sustainable growth across global markets, Ash combines visionary leadership with hands-on expertise to position Smardt as an industry innovator.
In 2020, Ash joined Smardt as COO and was appointed CEO in 2022. Prior to Smardt, he served as Vice President and General Manager of the Global HVAC Applied Commercial Business at Johnson Controls. In this role, he oversaw the Global Applied Equipment segment, which includes chillers and air handling systems, as well as Service Parts Operations and Global Pricing. Prior to this position, Ash held various leadership roles at Johnson Controls, including Vice President and General Manager for the Middle East and Africa from 2014 to 2018, and Vice President and General Manager of the Global Chiller Solutions business from 2011 to 2014. His earlier tenure from 1996 to 2010 encompassed key roles in the US, UK, and Europe, focusing on manufacturing integration, operational rationalization, and supporting the JCI-Hitachi joint venture.
Ash holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Westminster and a master’s degree in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning from the University of London. Additionally, he has completed postgraduate studies at INSEAD in Paris.
Feng Kong
Chief Operating Officer
Feng Kong serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Smardt, where he leads global safety, total quality across all divisions, global manufacturing and supply chain operations, as well as ensuring effective clinical execution throughout the organization to achieve the business plan and customer satisfaction. He also plays a key role in driving our profitable growth strategies, including portfolio and product expansion through mergers and acquisitions.
Prior to joining Smardt, Feng developed over 27 years of extensive experience in chiller and air-side operations across various leadership roles and regions, including China, Middle East, and North America. His notable positions include General Manager for Greater Asia Applied, Operations Director for Asia, Middle East, Africa, and India, and Global Continuous Improvement Director at Johnson Controls. Feng brings a strong expertise in lean manufacturing, manufacturing process engineering, and operational excellence.
Feng is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certified and KT practitioner and holds an MBA from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Harbin Engineering University.
Philippe Rousset
Group Chief Financial Officer
Philippe Rousset serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Smardt, overseeing all Finance, IT, and ESG functions. His responsibilities encompass investor relations, mergers and acquisitions, financial planning and analysis, treasury, strategic business unit finance, controllership, external reporting, audit, tax, and risk management.
With a distinguished career spanning 25 years, Philippe has held pivotal roles in international multinational corporations (MNCs), both in corporate headquarters and as a business partner with regional and local operations. His extensive experience includes working in the Middle East (Lebanon & Qatar) and joining the Asia Pacific region in 2013 as the Regional CFO for Veolia Water Technologies, where he led regional transformation initiatives. Passionate about new technologies and innovative business models, Philippe founded SHAFT Ph Consulting in Singapore to assist start-ups and mid-cap companies in expanding their operations in Asia.
Philippe holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physics and Chemical Process, a Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master of Science in Sustainable Management from Imperial College, London, UK. He is a certified member of CPA Australia and a qualified International Merger and Acquisition Expert from The Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (IMAA), Zurich, Switzerland.
Megan Schoonberg
VP of Risk Management and Legal Affairs
Following a 20-year career in law, compliance, and risk management within the high-risk technology sector, Megan Schoonberg joined Smardt as its VP of Risk Management and Legal Affairs. Megan sits on the executive leadership team and lends her expertise to the board of directors, senior management and global teams in corporate governance, intellectual property management, insurance, contract administration, international compliance and enterprise risk management.
Also an entrepreneur, Megan co-created and led a non-profit organization assisting older adults stay active through part time work; chaired the board of a 50 year old non-profit charitable funding organization; and co-created an investment fund providing seed financing to Montreal tech start ups, where she continues to serve as general partner and board member.
Megan is a certified Canadian Risk Manager (GRMI) with a strong academic background, holding a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and a Master’s degree in Law from the UK. She is an active member of the Public Policy Committee at RIMS (Risk and Insurance Management Society) and has completed the Chief Compliance Officer’s course. Currently, she is further enhancing her expertise in ESG through specialized courses at the University of Toronto.
Mahesh Naduvath
Chief Technology Officer
As Chief Technology Officer, Mahesh leads the development and implementation of advanced technology solutions to optimize the efficiency, reliability, and performance of Smardt chillers and systems. He oversees key engineering teams—Controls, Systems Engineering, R&D, and Electrical Engineering—ensuring alignment with company goals. His core responsibilities include managing diagnostic software tools, optimizing energy management, and integrating emerging technologies like IoT, AI, and automation to enhance product offerings and streamline operational processes.
Mahesh joined Smardt with over 25 years of experience, bringing a wealth of expertise from his tenure at Johnson Controls, where he held several key leadership roles. His positions included Engineering Manager, Director of Chiller Integration and Global Engineering, and Vice President of Advanced Development and Technology.
Mahesh holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree, as well as a PhD in mechanical engineering.
Changiz Tolouee
Executive VP of Technology & Product Development
Changiz Tolouee serves as Executive VP of Technology & Product Development at Smardt, where he leads the company’s innovation efforts in HVAC solutions, with a focus on designing and advancing chiller technologies. With a deep expertise in product strategy and engineering, he leads the global product engineering efforts and advanced technology development at Smardt, driving the creation of innovative solutions that address the dynamic needs of both global customers and the evolving industry landscape. Changiz works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the seamless integration of new technologies and market-driven solutions.
With more than 30 years of experience in the HVAC industry, Changiz brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. Throughout his career, he has held key leadership positions, including Vice President of Engineering at Trane Technologies (formerly Arctic Chiller Group), Director of Applications Engineering at Danfoss Turbocor Compressors, and Engineering Manager at Multistack International. Changiz’s diverse background in engineering and product development has equipped him with a unique ability to drive innovation and lead high-performing teams in the advancement of advanced chiller technologies.
Changiz holds a bachelor’s and master’s degrees, along with a PhD in mechanical engineering from Sharif University of Technology, Istanbul Technical University, and Swinburne University of Technology, respectively. His strong academic background complements his extensive professional experience, providing a solid foundation for his leadership in technology and product development.
Luis Chin
Senior VP, Human Resources
Luis serves as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Smardt, leading the company’s global HR strategy to promote growth and strengthen its position in the HVAC industry. He is responsible for developing and implementing HR policies, processes, and systems that enhance operational excellence, workforce engagement, and organizational effectiveness.
With over 25 years of HR experience, Luis has held several executive leadership roles at Schindler Elevator Corporation and General Electric. He specializes in talent strategy, workforce planning, employer branding, and change management. His expertise in building high-performing teams and driving cultural transformation has significantly contributed to advancing business success across various industries.
Luis holds a bachelor’s degree in educational science from Universidad Panamericana in Mexico and is Six Sigma certified. He is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement and is passionate about developing talent and driving organizational excellence.
Caleb Jones
General Manager, Kiltech
Caleb Jones serves as the General Manager of Kiltech Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Smardt. In this role, he leads the operations of Kiltech, a company dedicated to enhancing energy efficiency in chilled water plants. Under his leadership, Kiltech drives innovation through its flagship product, the Central Plant Energy Conservation System (CPECS), optimizing performance and enhancing sustainability in the industry.
Caleb began his career at Smardt in 2015 as a Customer Service Engineer before advancing to Product and Operations Manager in 2018. From 2021 to 2022, he served as a Senior Energy Systems Specialist at Energy Performance Services (EPS), where he specialized in energy management solutions for industrial facilities. Throughout his tenure at Smardt and EPS, Caleb has remained dedicated to energy efficiency, with a strong emphasis on chiller plant optimization and comprehensive energy management strategies.
Caleb holds a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Ottawa and a bachelor’s in chemical engineering from McGill University.
Ken Lim
Vice President & General Manager, Greater Asia Pacific
Ken Lim is the Vice President and General Manager of Smardt Greater Asia Pacific (GAPAC). Under his leadership, GAPAC drives growth in both direct and indirect sales and service channels, covering a comprehensive portfolio that includes oil-free and oil-based chillers, airside solutions, and unitary products.
With more than 24 years of extensive experience in the HVAC industry, Ken spent over two decades at Johnson Controls, where he built a distinguished career across various leadership roles. He progressed from a successful Sales Engineer to Director of HVAC Products for Asia Pacific, gaining deep expertise in sales, service, and product management. His leadership journey also includes P&L management roles as General Manager and Managing Director for Johnson Controls Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Ken holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with honours from Queensland University of Technology, Australia. His vast experience and strategic vision continue to drive Smardt’s expansion and success across the GAPAC region.
David Donges
Commercial General Manager, Americas
Dave Donges is the Commercial General Manager for the Americas at Smardt. In this role, he leads strategy development and go-to-market initiatives for Smardt products and service delivery across the Americas, utilizing both direct and Business Partner channels.
Dave joined Smardt in 2022, bringing in over two decades of expertise in the HVAC industry, along with five years of experience in industrial gas facility operations. Throughout his career, he has held key roles at Nortek Air Solutions, York/Johnson Controls, and Air Liquide, where he played a pivotal role in driving operational excellence. Dave has had the privilege of leading high-performing teams and collaborating with visionary leadership, shaping innovative solutions and promoting a culture of excellence.
With extensive expertise in facility operations engineering support, inside sales, customer engagement, strategic account leadership, market development, and building technologies, Dave brings a results-driven approach to every role. His strong background in mission-critical business development is complemented by an unwavering commitment to execution and customer satisfaction.
Dave earned a mechanical engineering degree from Purdue University and an MBA from Mercer University. He currently resides in Atlanta, GA, with his family.
Tian Shixun
Commercial General Manager, Greater China and North Asia
Tian Shixun is the Commercial General Manager of Greater China and North Asia. He drives business growth, manages key client relationships, and leads marketing and product strategies. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its market share by over 50% in two years, securing major data center and high-rise commercial projects, further strengthening its regional presence.
Before joining Smardt, Tian held senior management roles at the world’s largest central air-conditioning enterprise. He played a key role in marketing strategy, including major mergers and acquisitions, while overseeing sales of compressors and VRF systems. As General Manager of the central air-conditioning business in China, he achieved remarkable success across multiple areas.
Tian Shixun holds a bachelor’s degree in automation from Jilin University and a master’s degree in agricultural machinery from Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan.