Wilo Ireland names new managing director

Wilo Ireland names new managing director

Richard Swinburne leads Wilo Ireland into a new era. With over 20 years in utilities and industrial sectors, Swinburne aims to expand Wilo Ireland by leveraging sustainability practices. His appointment comes as Ireland faces energy challenges, focusing on efficiency and upgrading water management systems.


Richard Swinburne has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Wilo Ireland, a global leader in water technology and energy-efficient pump solutions. This strategic move targets growth in data centres, water management, and traditional HVAC sectors in both residential and commercial areas.

Swinburne brings over two decades of experience across utilities, HVAC, and industrial sectors, most recently serving as Managing Director of Xylem Water Solutions Ireland. His extensive expertise in pump and water-delivery applications positions him well to drive Wilo Ireland’s growth. Swinburne is committed to utilising the broader Wilo global platform to enhance the business, with sustainability being a core focus.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Swinburne stated, “I am delighted to be joining Wilo Ireland at such a great point in its journey. The strides that Wilo has been making as a group with regards to sustainability is what initially drew me to the position. As four-time winners of the top EcoVadis platinum sustainability rating, and with climate-neutral factories all across Europe, Wilo’s emphasis on environmental consciousness mirrors my own ideals of prioritising eco-friendly practice across building services, water management, and industry.”

Swinburne’s appointment is timely, as Ireland grapples with potential electricity demand outstripping supply. His immediate focus is on unlocking energy efficiencies, offering energy audits to identify and replace outdated pumps in commercial applications with modern alternatives. Additionally, he plans to enhance water management systems, taking inspiration from Wilo UK’s recent launch of an end-to-end water treatment package to assist water companies in infrastructure upgrades.

Lee Tebbatt, Managing Director of Wilo UK, commented, “We’re thrilled to welcome Richard to the Wilo family. Through his previous experience and success in the industry, he will be invaluable to the development of Wilo Ireland. With his commitment to sustainability, water security, and energy utilisation, he embodies Wilo’s mission. I look forward to seeing the growth of Wilo in Ireland.”

As Ireland navigates its energy and infrastructure challenges, Wilo Ireland, under Swinburne’s leadership, is poised to play a crucial role in advancing energy efficiency and sustainable water management solutions.


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