Picker named ARC chair, Bennett retires

The Australian Refrigeration Council board has elected Greg Picker to the position of chair as Michael Bennett AM’s term as director and chair ended, concluding his long and illustrious career in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry.

Kylie Farrelley was elected to the director seat vacated by Michael Bennett and Richard Livingston was re-elected to the treasurer role.

Like VASA, the ARC board is entirely voluntary, with all directors contributing their time and knowledge, and sharing a passion for the industry and a drive to help it succeed. VASA president Brett Meads is a serving ARC director.

Greg Picker is executive director of Refrigerants Australia, a role he has filled for the past decade, and brings a wealth of knowledge from the refrigerants and products sectors, as well as expertise in environmental policy drivers from his experience within the Australian government and United Nations experience.

Kylie Farrelley has been Refrigerant Reclaim Australia general manager since 2019, having previously spent 20 years as business manager for fluorochemicals with specialty chemical and synthetic refrigerant producer Arkema.

The ARC board plays a vital role as stewards of the ARCtick refrigeration and air conditioning licence scheme, as well as leading initiatives in training, innovation, education and advocacy.

Directors represent the full spectrum of climate control, technicians, businesses, designers, wholesalers and manufacturers in both the RAC and automotive air conditioning sectors.