#United States #Norfolk #AIR Control Concepts #Hobbs Associates #Hayden Bland

AIR Control Concepts Announces Key Leadership Changes

In a significant move aimed at furthering its growth ambitions, AIR Control Concepts, a leading player in the global HVAC, electrical, and controls sector, has announced pivotal leadership transitions. This restructuring is expected to enhance the company's strategic direction and operational capabilities as it gears up for the next phase in its evolution.

Effective January 1, 2027, Brad Hobbs, the founder and currently serving as President and CEO, will take on the role of Executive Chair. In this capacity, he will focus on mergers and acquisitions, strategic growth strategies, and maintain key relationships with customers and manufacturers. His transition is a crucial step towards enabling AIR to leverage the leadership structure he and Hayden Bland have pioneered, which has been instrumental in growing AIR from its roots at Hobbs Associates.

Hayden Bland, who has played an integral role as President and Chief Operating Officer of AIR, will ascend to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. Bland brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for AIR's future, ensuring a seamless leadership transition that aims to preserve the company's successful operational model while also exploring new avenues for growth. Bland's commitment to building upon the established entrepreneurial operating framework illustrates AIR's dedication to robust growth strategies based on unity and decentralized operational models.

In a statement reflecting on the changes, Hobbs said, “I’m proud of what we’ve built at AIR and even more excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to grow the business. Hayden and I have worked closely together for years, and I have tremendous confidence in his leadership.” His continued involvement as Executive Chair solidifies AIR’s strategic oversight during this transformative period.

To further bolster its leadership team, AIR announced the appointment of Aaron Lewis as Chief Operating Officer, effective October 1, 2026. Lewis joins from Johnson Controls, where he amassed significant experience in the HVAC industry. In his new role, Lewis is expected to drive the Equipment business segment's performance and support the operational teams in accelerating growth by enhancing effectiveness and utilizing his extensive background in sales and international markets.

“I have spent my career in this industry and have tremendous respect for what Brad, Hayden and the entire AIR team have built,” Lewis remarked. His skills and perspective are seen as vital as AIR expands its footprint internationally, positioning itself to meet customer needs across a broader range of geographies.

The developments at AIR have garnered positive feedback from industry observers. Seth Meisel, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, conveyed confidence in Hayden's transition to CEO and highlighted Brad's ongoing involvement as crucial for driving AIR’s growth and maintaining important industry relationships. This leadership restructuring marks a new chapter for AIR, aiming to ensure continued scalability and sustainable growth through strategic investments, mergers, and deeper collaborations with top-tier manufacturers.

As AIR Control Concepts charts its future course, the company remains dedicated to enhancing the entrepreneurial culture within its operations while benefiting from the vast resources and infrastructure afforded by a larger organization. This evolution promises to bolster its market presence and elevate the services offered to its customers, creating a sustainable path forward for its operating companies and partners.

For more information about AIR Control Concepts and partnership opportunities, please visit aircontrolconcepts.com.