Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US Announces Leadership Transition as CEO Mark Kuntz Plans Retirement
Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US LLC (METUS), a major supplier of advanced heating and cooling technologies, has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Mark Kuntz, will retire from his role effective March 31, 2026. After leading the company for many years and contributing significantly to its growth and development, Kuntz will step down from the CEO position while continuing to support the organization during a transition period. Andrew Kelso, who currently serves as the company’s Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed to succeed Kuntz as the new CEO.
Following his retirement from the executive role, Kuntz will remain with the company in an advisory capacity for a period of time. During this transition phase, he will work closely with the leadership team, employees, distributors, customers, and other strategic partners to ensure a smooth and effective leadership handover. This approach is intended to maintain operational continuity while enabling the company to move confidently into its next stage of development.
Kuntz concludes a distinguished 16-year career with METUS that has been defined by strong leadership, innovation, and substantial company growth. Over the course of his tenure, he played a key role in shaping the company into one of the leading providers of all-electric, all-climate HVAC solutions in the United States. METUS specializes in advanced heating and cooling systems such as ductless and ducted mini-split systems and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heat pump technologies, which have become increasingly popular as energy-efficient alternatives to traditional HVAC systems.
Among Kuntz’s notable achievements was his involvement in bringing advanced HVAC technology to major retail environments. One early milestone was the installation of CITY MULTI® VRF systems in a Target store, representing one of the first large-scale commercial deployments of this technology in the United States. This project demonstrated the potential of VRF systems in large commercial facilities and helped establish METUS as an innovative player in the HVAC industry.
Another significant accomplishment during Kuntz’s leadership was the development of the company’s first major national account relationship with Kroger Co., one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States. This partnership not only expanded the company’s customer base but also highlighted the efficiency and reliability of its HVAC systems in demanding retail environments. The success of this relationship helped strengthen the company’s position in the commercial HVAC market.
In 2018, Kuntz played an important role in the formation of the joint venture between Mitsubishi Electric and Ingersoll Rand (Trane), which officially established Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US LLC. The joint venture combined the technological expertise of Mitsubishi Electric with the distribution network and market reach of Trane, creating a powerful partnership in the HVAC sector. This collaboration significantly expanded the company’s ability to deliver innovative heating and cooling solutions across North America.
Kuntz also contributed to strengthening the company’s engineering capabilities in the United States through the creation of the Solutions Design Center. This initiative helped the company develop engineering expertise specifically tailored to the needs of the U.S. market. By focusing on localized design and technical support, the center enabled METUS to better serve contractors, distributors, and customers with solutions that match regional climate requirements and building standards.
Another important initiative launched during his leadership was the development of the METUS Business Operating System. This system was introduced as part of a broader values-based Lean transformation aimed at improving operational efficiency, encouraging innovation, and promoting continuous improvement across the organization. By implementing Lean principles, the company enhanced its ability to streamline operations while maintaining high standards of quality and customer service.
Reflecting on his time with the company, Kuntz expressed appreciation for the team that supported the organization’s achievements. He noted that the success of METUS has been driven by the talent, dedication, and collaborative spirit of its employees. According to Kuntz, the shared commitment to innovation and continuous improvement has enabled the company to make a meaningful impact on the HVAC industry.
Throughout his career, Kuntz has also been recognized as a strong advocate for the HVAC industry. He represented METUS in policy discussions on Capitol Hill, working with government leaders to promote policies that encourage the adoption of advanced heat pump technology. His efforts supported initiatives such as federal rebate programs and tax incentives designed to accelerate the transition toward more energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions.
In addition, Kuntz played a key role in helping the industry navigate the transition to A2L refrigerants, which are designed to have lower environmental impact compared to traditional refrigerants. Working alongside policymakers and industry stakeholders, he helped ensure that the transition would be practical and sustainable for manufacturers, distributors, and contractors.
Mike Corbo, Executive Officer and Chief Representative of the Americas Region as well as President and CEO of Mitsubishi Electric US Holdings, praised Kuntz for his contributions to the organization. Corbo noted that Kuntz’s leadership over the past 16 years helped drive innovation and operational excellence throughout the company. His dedication and vision not only strengthened METUS but also had a broader impact across the entire family of Mitsubishi Electric companies.
As Andrew Kelso prepares to take on the role of CEO, he brings extensive experience and familiarity with the organization. Kelso joined METUS in 2018 as Chief Financial Officer and later assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2022. During his time with the company, he has worked closely with Kuntz on several major initiatives and has been involved in many of the company’s most significant growth phases.
Kelso’s leadership approach emphasizes disciplined execution, strong customer relationships, and long-term strategic growth. Having participated in the company’s transformation and expansion efforts, he is well positioned to continue building on the progress made under Kuntz’s leadership.
Looking ahead, Kelso expressed confidence in the company’s future. He noted that METUS enters its next chapter from a position of strength, supported by a clear strategy, strong operational capabilities, and a culture that prioritizes innovation and collaboration. According to Kelso, the organization will continue to focus on expanding its leadership in all-climate HVAC solutions while supporting customers and partners across the industry.
With a well-planned leadership transition and a solid foundation for growth, Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US aims to continue advancing energy-efficient HVAC technologies while strengthening its position as a leader in the evolving heating and cooling industry.
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