Name and current roles:

My name is Astrid Prado. I am Head of Marketing of Star Refrigeration and serve as Co-Chair of the IOR Women in RACHP (Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Heat Pumps) Group and as a Board Member of INWIC (International Network of Women in Cooling)

Could you share a bit about your background?

I’m from Galicia, in the northwest of Spain. Often, people recognize Galicia for its famous 'Camino de Santiago,' a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that extend across Europe and meet at the tomb of the Apostle St. James in Santiago de Compostela.

I studied journalism at SEK / Universidad Instituto de Empresa before undertaking an HND in Advertising at Stevenson College and a MSc in Marketing at Napier University in Edimburgh.

I joined Star Refrigeration back in 2005 to research and develop a new educational business unit with a focus on accelerating the adoption of eLearning and blended training methodologies across the industry. This resulted in a partnership with UNEP to promote eLearning for RACHP engineers worldwide, eliminating educational barriers, and supporting the introduction of ozone and climate friendly technologies in national HCFC phase-out plans. In 2013 I  transitioned to the role of Marketing Manager for Star’s group of companies leading to the establishment of a new department. I am currently serving as the Head of Marketing, working with a group of amazing and very committed people.

What attracted you to the industry?

Like many in this sector, I stumbled into the cooling industry by chance.

It wasn’t until I started working in the sector that I truly understood the industry’s potential to change the world. In my early years, while working on the company’s educational project, I had the opportunity to meet brilliant minds—scientists, researchers, and engineers from around the globe. What struck me most was the sense of community with the common aim of pushing the boundaries of refrigeration and heat pump technology.

I feel lucky to have landed in an industry that is actively shaping a more sustainable world. And knowing that our work has a real, positive impact on society makes it all the more rewarding.

What are the key responsibilities you handle on a day-to-day basis?

In my current role, I oversee the marketing department to ensure our marketing strategies are aligned with corporate goals. This includes the development of the marketing plan, management of the marketing team, coordination with other departments to ensure brand consistency, and exploring new avenues to deliver consistent value to customers and industry alike while advocating for important topics like sustainability and diversity.

I am also involved in market research to stay abreast of industry trends and to identify opportunities for growth. I oversee the marketing strategies and initiatives of the company. 

What do you enjoy most about your job, and what are the biggest challenges you face?

I derive immense satisfaction from the opportunity to support and mentor my team, witnessing their growth and success. We take a big picture approach to marketing, focusing on shaping conversations in the refrigeration and heat pump industry to drive change. Much of our work is about effectively communicating the research and efforts of our teams as they collaborate with industry organisations and government to create a more sustainable and resilient industry. This means adopting a more strategic view and requires engagement with different stakeholders both inside and outside the company. Ensuring that our strategies remain effective and relevant requires continuous learning and adaptation.

Where do you see your career developing?

I aspire to continue contributing to our growth and success. I care about making a positive impact by finding new ways to deliver value. I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry through my role in the Women in RACHP and INWIC groups so that together we can empower more professional women and underrepresented groups to pursue and advance in careers within the cooling sector.

What do you like about this industry?

The refrigeration and heating industry is the unsung hero of modern life. Cooling is central to many United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Without it, the world as we know it wouldn’t exist; no fresh food, no life-saving vaccines, no data centres powering the internet, and no affordable, low-carbon heating for all

Heating and cooling make up 50% of global energy consumption, and with rising temperatures, population growth, and improved living standards, demand is expected to increase by 45% by 2050. The industry is evolving fast, driving energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and innovation to meet these challenges head on. Knowing that our work makes a tangible difference in addressing these global challenges is what I love most about this industry. It's not just about cooling and heating engineering—it's about making the world a healthier more sustainable world.

What is your career highlight or proudest achievement?

One of my proudest achievements are forming a successful marketing department and supporting the development of future talent.

Delivering lectures on marketing to MBA students at the University of Glasgow and engaging with children to encourage them to consider careers in engineering have been particularly fulfilling experiences.

Serving the community of women in the industry through the Women in RACHP group and contributing to making the sector a place where everyone can thrive is a significant accomplishment. I was particularly honoured to be nominated by the Women in RACHP group for the Diversity Impact Award at industry awards in  recognition for my work on behalf of the Institute of Refrigeration, particularly in driving the group's groundbreaking gender parity survey. The research provided valuable insights into the industry's attitudes and benefits for women, identifying steps to close the gender gap and attract more female talent. 

What advice would you give to women and young people looking to enter or advance in the refrigeration and heating industry?

I would advise them to embrace their unique perspectives and strengths. These are some of the most valuable assets you can bring to an industry that has been traditionally male dominated.

Don’t take yourself too seriously; learn to handle setbacks, embrace your mistakes, and be accountable. Everyone makes mistakes, and owning them allows you to grow and become a better version of yourself. Give your best, devote yourself to the things you love, and make your voice count.

Always remember to listen truly to others, as this makes you a more effective communicator. Building a supportive network is crucial; seek mentors and allies who can provide guidance and encouragement. The industry is evolving, and there is a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion. Your contributions are not only needed but will also help create an industry that is more reflective of the world around us.