DALLAS — Building materials company KOVA has named Brent Sturgell to lead its new HVAC division.

Sturgell, who has spearheaded the development and launch of many successful HVAC products, will lead KOVA’s entry into the HVAC market with a new era of intelligent HVAC offerings, KOVA said in a press release. Under his leadership, the company will soon debut KOVA Comfort, an artificial intelligence-powered HVAC system. 

“The HVAC landscape is rapidly evolving, especially in terms of data-driven efficiency, performance, and comfort,” said Sturgell. “KOVA brings a unique point of view and innovative mindset to a very traditional business. I look forward to working with the talented, forward-thinking minds at KOVA to transform the HVAC industry with KOVA Comfort.”

Having traveled extensively worldwide and accumulated more than 37 years of experience in the business, Sturgell has knowledge about how people in different countries employ technology to condition built environments. Sturgell maintains a people-first leadership style and a commitment to developing workplace cultures that support and uplift every team member, the company said.

“Brent embraces the need for a diverse and in-depth orchestration of the many complex factors that influence design, engineering and manufacturing of HVAC products,” said KOVA president Trevor Schick. “With his extensive experience cultivating dynamic teams and commercializing HVAC products, Brent is an ideal fit for the KOVA team as we introduce this groundbreaking innovation to the industry.”

Sturgell previously served as vice president of new product development at Aspen Manufacturing and as vice president of engineering and new product development at First Co. & AE Air. He is a longtime member of ASHRAE, the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, and the American Society of Gas Engineers.

Sturgell earned a bachelor’s degree in HVACR Engineering from Ferris State University. He then went on to earn his master’s in business administration from Texas A&M University.