Atsuhiro Yabu named president & CEO, Mark Kuntz promoted to COO, Andrew Kelso named CFO

SUWANEE, Georgia – September 10, 2018 – Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US LLC (METUS), a leading supplier of Comfort Solutions and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) cooling and heating systems, announces the appointment of a president and chief executive officer (CEO) as well as chief operating officer (COO) and chief financial officer (CFO). Atsuhiro Yabu has been named president and CEO, Mark Kuntz has been promoted to COO and Andrew Kelso has been named CFO.

In his new role as president and CEO of METUS, Yabu leads the development, promotion and execution of METUS’ business growth strategy and manages all departmental budgets.

“Yabu’s leadership background and international experience make him an ideal choice to lead the joint venture between Mitsubishi Electric and Ingersoll Rand,” said Keijiro Hora, president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. “He brings to the role an extensive knowledge of global engineering and manufacturing industries, and a proven track record of successful product launches designed and built for the European market. We look forward to working with him as METUS grows its VRF systems and ductless technologies business.”

Yabu began his career with Mitsubishi Electric in 1984 and has been in the HVAC industry for eight years. Yabu joined the Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. Cooling & Heating Division in April 2016; prior to that he served as president and CEO of Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Systems Europe Ltd. 

Yabu has held several senior level positions at Mitsubishi Electric in Japan, including executive vice president of a MELCO subsidiary, Mitsubishi Electric Home Appliance and deputy senior manager of the Engineering Department of the Living Environment & Digital Media Equipment Group headquarters. Yabu holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Osaka University in Osaka, Japan.

As COO, Mark Kuntz reports to Yabu and oversees all METUS business units and functional areas. He provides focused strategic and operational leadership to the residential and commercial sales businesses, business planning, technical services and administrative functions. As part of the METUS executive team, he formulates long-range strategies and objectives for the brands supported by the joint venture. Additionally, Kuntz chairs the METUS Leadership Team providing oversight of senior management leadership.

“Mark will be an incredible asset to the company in his new role as chief operating officer,” said Yabu. “He will be instrumental in coordinating the development and design of METUS products and services to support our overall business goals. Mark’s history with Mitsubishi Electric gives us confidence in his ability to help the joint venture succeed.” 

Kuntz joined Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.’s Cooling & Heating Division in 2010 and previously held positions in sales, marketing, product development, engineering and administration. Prior to the joint venture formation, he held the position of senior vice president and deputy general manager of the Cooling & Heating Division. He is a professional engineer licensed in California and a LEED® accredited professional. He holds a bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic State University and a master’s degree from Southern Methodist University. 

Andrew (Andy) Kelso was previously the vice president of finance at Ingersoll Rand, and assumed the role of CFO upon the formation of METUS. As CFO, Kelso provides financial guidance to the leadership team and has primary responsibility to plan, implement, manage and control all financial-related activities within the company.

“Andy’s tenure with Ingersoll Rand brings a necessary perspective to METUS and a diversity in the background of our executive team,” said Yabu. “He has global experience and an understanding of international economics that will help guide the financial well-being of the company. We look forward to our company’s fiscal growth under his leadership.”

Kelso’s experience spans multiple positions within Ingersoll Rand, as well as a stint as finance leader at Trane. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Penn State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Indiana University.

 All three members of the executive team will continue to be based in Suwanee, Georgia.