Hayley Cattell Will Lead Beijer Ref Subsidiary in 2027
Managing director Hayley Cattell will assume the vice-president role at Beijer Ref UK and Ireland starting January 1.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in People
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Beginning January 1, 2027, Hayley Cattell will become the new vice-president of Beijer Ref UK and Ireland. She currently serves as the managing director of the subsidiary.
Why it matters
The leadership change follows a decision by current vice-president John Bilson to step back from day-to-day operations after nearly four decades with the company. Bilson will remain involved with the organization by transitioning to the role of chairman of the UK and Ireland board.
The transition involves an executive with over 15 years at the company succeeding one who has 37 years of tenure at Beijer Ref. The outgoing leader holds a total of 50 years of experience in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
The players
Hayley Cattell
She is the managing director of Beijer Ref UK and Ireland who will soon join the EMEA leadership team.
John Bilson
He is the current vice-president of Beijer Ref UK and Ireland who will become chairman of the board at the end of 2026.
Beijer Ref
This Swedish company is a global leader in the refrigeration and air conditioning wholesale market.
The details
As part of the leadership reshuffle, Cattell is set to join the Beijer Ref EMEA leadership team. Her appointment marks a significant transition for the UK and Ireland operations as the company shifts its executive oversight structure.
Timeline
Hayley Cattell joined Beijer Ref in 2010.
John Bilson will step away from operational management at the end of 2026.
Hayley Cattell assumes the vice-president role on January 1, 2027.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition occurs as the company continues to integrate its regional operations following previous expansions. It reflects the broader trend of long-tenured industry veterans moving into board-level oversight while new executives steer day-to-day regional competition.
For customers and regional partners, this change signals a shift in operational management as the company prepares for its 2027 strategy. Clients should expect continuity in service while the internal transition to the new vice-president is finalized over the coming months.
The takeaway
Effective transitions require a balance between fresh leadership and institutional memory from long-serving executives. Companies often maintain stability by retaining outgoing leaders in chairman or advisory roles during significant operational changes.
Further reading
Learn more about organizational leadership trends in our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cooling Post.
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