Name and current roles:

My name is Lisa-Jayne Cook FInstR FWES. I am the Service Sales Manager – Key Accounts at GEA Heating and Refrigeration Technologies – Service Division. I am also the current President of the Institute of Refrigeration. 

Could you share a bit about your background? (Where did you study, what qualifications did you gain, what companies did you work for, what roles have you held?

My first taste of the Refrigeration Industry and Engineering was way back in 2000 when Heating and Cooling Coils took a chance on me and offered me a drafting position in their Coldroom Division, and I’ve not looked back since.  I had no relevant experience or qualifications, but my mother, an engineer herself encouraged me to apply, so I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity.  I settled into the role quickly, and swiftly found myself moving from drafting Coldstore designs into their Applications Department for Air Side Heat Exchangers. This role introduced me to the basics of Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, building on the knowledge I had gained while working in their Coldroom Division. This role ignited a passion in me I never knew I had and laid the foundations for my career in the industry.

In 2002 I was approached by Kelvion Searle. They offered me a position in their Export Sales team, supporting a new Sales Manager in a technical capacity.  It was with Kelvion that I completed my apprenticeship, attending Eastleigh College on day release, and working twilight shifts in the factory learning to braze and assemble our products. I completed my BTEC Level 3 in 2004, achieving a Double Distinction, for which I received the Governor’s Award at Eastleigh College and a shortlisting in the RAC IOR Student of the Year Awards in the same year.

Over the 18 years I spent with Heating and Cooling and Kelvion I worked in a variety of roles, including Applications Manager and Key Accounts Manager.  In my latter years at Kelvion while we were developing our CO2 products and associated selection software, I took the lead on the Design and Specification of Gas Coolers for some of the UK’s leading supermarkets.  This was a technically challenging role, but by far the most enjoyable.  

In 2018 I joined the Southern Sales Team at Aqua Cooling. Here I was responsible for the design, sale and delivery of chilled water systems.  This was a complete change of direction for me, moving into something completely different, from air side heat exchanger design to complete system design. Aqua generously invested their time in sharing their knowledge and helped me to develop my skills.  I even found my way back to the drawing office here, producing P&ID’s for quotations and projects. Aqua are particularly passionate about supporting their community and encouraging their employees to become STEM Role Models; their passion led me to the Women’s Engineering Society and the Early Careers Board’s Lottie Tour; my first taste of promoting STEM Careers beyond our local community.  During my time with Aqua I was named in the Women’s Engineering Societies Top 50 Women In Engineering (2019) – Current & Former Apprentices; which to date has been one of the biggest achievements of my career.

In 2019 I had the opportunity to join J&E Hall in their Service Team as a Sales and Applications Engineer covering the South. Working with J&E Hall was a fantastic opportunity to grow my application knowledge further.  With their expertise being predominantly in Industrial Refrigeration, it was again different to anything I had done before.  I have been very fortunate in my career to be surrounded by knowledgeable people who are willing to invest in future talent, and J&E Hall were no exception.  

Since then, I have again moved into another completely different role, working as Key Account Manager at GEA Heating and Refrigeration Technologies in their Service Division.  This role is very much one of building relationships with our clients and ensuring they continue to receive the exceptional service they’ve come to expect from us.  What I love most about my current role is that GEA are as dedicated to tackling climate change and increasing diversity in engineering as I am.  
What attracted you to the industry?
Like many others in the field, I fell into refrigeration — it wasn’t an industry I had ever considered until I found myself out of education and searching for work.  Heating and Cooling Coils took a chance on me, offering a drafting position in their Coldroom Division, and I’ve never looked back.
With no prior experience or qualifications, they taught me the basics and gave me the opportunity to grow.  I quickly developed a passion for the industry and the technical nature of my role.  Before long, I moved from drafting Coldstore designs into the Applications Department for Air Side Heat Exchangers.  That transition laid the foundations for what has now been a 25-year career in refrigeration.
What organisation do you work for and what is your role? How long have you been with the company?
I currently work for GEA Heating and Refrigeration Technologies in the Service Division as a Service Sales Manager, focusing on Key Accounts.  I joined GEA in 2021 after two years with J&E Hall in their Applied Refrigeration and Service Division as a Sales and Applications Engineer.
Joining GEA marked a shift in my career — moving from a long history of design and application roles into a position heavily focused on Sales Management.  Time has proved it was the right decision.  Stepping beyond my comfort zone and into a highly supportive team has allowed me to continue learning and growing, both personally and professionally.

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

As a Service Sales Manager for Key Accounts at GEA Heating and Refrigeration Technologies, I focus on building strong, long-term partnerships with key customers, ensuring they receive tailored service solutions that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of their systems.
With a background in design and applications, transitioning into sales management was a significant shift — but one that has proven invaluable.  My technical expertise allows me to understand customer challenges in depth, ensuring that the solutions we provide genuinely add value.  Working closely with internal teams, I help deliver innovative service offerings, from maintenance contracts to system upgrades and digital solutions, always with a customer-first approach.

At GEA, collaboration is key.  By working in a supportive team and stepping beyond my comfort zone, I’ve continued to grow both personally and professionally, reinforcing my passion for the industry and the impact we can make.

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

I’ve had the privilege of working on a diverse range of projects that have expanded my engineering knowledge and exposed me to industries far beyond refrigeration.  Cooling and refrigeration touch so many aspects of modern life, from food production to high-tech manufacturing, creating endless opportunities to explore new processes and technologies.  This constant learning and variety are what I enjoy most — there is always something new to discover, and no two days are ever the same.

Over the years, I’ve been involved in projects ranging from the standardisation of refrigeration plant for commercial applications to more niche areas such as vinyl pressing, brewing, plastic extrusion, blow moulding, and laser cutting.  One particularly memorable project was the design and project management of a chilled water plant for the tunnel boring machines at the Thames Tideway Tunnel.  It was a complex and exciting challenge — not only did we have to meet strict environmental requirements due to the proximity of residential properties, but we also had to work within a restricted footprint while ensuring the machines received the vast quantities of chilled water required for operation at extreme depths.  Visiting one of the machines in Battersea was a moment I’ll never forget — the sheer scale of the equipment really put the project into perspective.

While the work itself has always been fascinating, the biggest challenge I faced early in my career was navigating the industry alone.  I started out before the rise of social media, when networking opportunities were scarce — limited to industry exhibitions, technical talks, and formal dinners, which were often inaccessible to most office-based staff.  As a result, I sometimes felt isolated in my role.  I was the only woman in the Sales and Applications team at Searle and the only female on my BTEC course at Eastleigh — until Nadia joined in my second year.  In those days, we relied entirely on our colleagues to help us learn, grow, and access opportunities.

Fortunately, the industry has come a long way since then.  Today, with the rise of professional networks and mentorship initiatives, it’s easier than ever for the next generation to connect, share experiences, and support each other.  But while this generation may not have the same challenges as we did, I acknowledge that they have a unique set of their own – we are living in a very different economic climate for starters!  I’m passionate about ensuring that others don’t face the same challenges I did, and I actively work to foster a more inclusive and connected industry for the future.

Where do you see your career developing?

I’ve never been one for rigid career plans — what matters most to me is continuing to learn, challenge myself, and make an impact.  Moving from design and applications into sales management was a big shift, but it reinforced the value of stepping outside my comfort zone.  Looking ahead, I want to keep building on that, whether through leadership, strategic account management, or driving industry-wide change.
One of the areas I’m most passionate about is making the refrigeration and heating industry more connected, innovative, and future-focused. That means staying at the forefront of new technologies, supporting the next generation, and ensuring we don’t just keep up with change — we help lead it.
I don’t see myself standing still.  Whatever comes next, I want to be in a role where I can influence, problem-solve, and push the industry forward.

What do you like about this industry?

What’s not to like? Refrigeration and cooling are everywhere — essential but often unnoticed.  That’s what makes it such an exciting industry to be part of.  It’s incredibly diverse, touching everything from food production and healthcare to data centres and high-tech manufacturing.  There’s always something new to learn, and no two projects are ever the same.
I love the problem-solving side of it.  Every challenge is different, whether it’s optimising efficiency, tackling sustainability, or adapting technology for a specific application.  The constant evolution of the industry — whether through digitalisation, new refrigerants, or efficiency improvements — keeps things interesting.
Beyond the technical side, it’s the people that make this industry what it is.  There’s a strong sense of community, and once you’re in, you’re in for life.  It’s a career that rewards those who are curious, hands-on, and willing to push boundaries.  I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

What is your career highlight or proudest achievement? 

One of the most significant milestones in my career was being named one of the WES Top 50 Women in Engineering in 2019.  This award is highly respected within the industry, recognising women who are making a real impact in engineering.  To be acknowledged among such an inspiring group of professionals was a huge honour.  For me, it reinforced the importance of visibility — showing that women not only belong in engineering but are thriving, leading, and shaping the future of the industry.  The recognition wasn’t just personal; it was a platform to encourage others to step forward, challenge norms, and drive change.

Another defining moment was my appointment as President of the Institute of Refrigeration in 2024.  Leading an organisation with such a long history and a critical role in our industry is a privilege.  The IOR plays a vital part in shaping policy, supporting skills development, and driving innovation, and to be entrusted with this position is both an honour and a responsibility I take seriously.  It’s a chance to give back to an industry that has given me so much, to champion the next generation, and to ensure that refrigeration and heating remain at the forefront of sustainability and technological advancement. 

Both of these achievements represent more than titles or awards — they reflect the journey I’ve taken and the impact I hope to continue making.  Engineering is about problem-solving, innovation, and progress, and I’m proud to be part of an industry that is constantly moving forward.

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

Looking back, one of the best moves I ever made was to connect with industry leaders which subsequently led to me finding myself a mentor in one of those leaders.  It was this connection that has really catalysed my personal and professional growth, has led to new opportunities, connections and networks and has opened many doors for me.  Volunteering with industry bodies has also played an important role in my progression; gifting me access to extended networking and CPD.  In the space of 10years, I have grown from Committee Member with the Institute of Refrigeration’s Women in RACHP (WiRACHP) to IOR Board Member and most recently President.  

So my advice is quite simple, seek out new connections, network and engage, and when those doors of opportunity open, leap in with both feet first.