Hayden Bland Takes Over as CEO at AIR Control Concepts
News provided byAIR Control Concepts · 2 min read
AIR Control Concepts, the global leader in commercial HVAC, electrical, and controls solutions, announced a series of leadership changes designed to support the company’s continued growth and expansion. Effective January 1, 2027, Hayden Bland, currently President and Chief Operating Officer, will become President and Chief Executive Officer. Brad Hobbs, the company’s Founder and former CEO, will transition to the role of Executive Chair and continue to serve on the Board of Directors.
In his new role, Hobbs will focus on strategic initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions, key customer and manufacturer relationships, and Hobbs & Associates, one of AIR’s largest operating companies. Hobbs will also continue to lead Hobbs & Associates, the original platform business that formed the foundation of AIR.
Bland’s transition follows a decade of close collaboration and shared leadership between him and Hobbs, as the company evolved from its roots at Hobbs & Associates into a diversified global HVAC platform. Bland expressed his commitment to building on the company’s existing success.
“Brad and I have worked closely together for years, and I have tremendous confidence in his leadership and his vision for AIR,” said Bland. “We have built something very special, and our priority is to continue investing in our operating companies and expanding our capabilities.”
As CEO, Bland will lead the company’s overall strategy and operations, leveraging the decentralized, entrepreneurial operating model that has driven AIR’s growth. He will continue to work with the company’s operating companies to accelerate organic growth and strengthen execution.
Aaron Lewis, who brings extensive experience from Johnson Controls, will join AIR as Chief Operating Officer on October 1, 2026. Lewis will take on responsibility for the company’s Equipment business segment and work closely with the operating companies to support their growth.
“We are excited to welcome Aaron to the team,” said Bland. “His experience in the industry and his understanding of our operating model will be valuable as we continue to scale.”
Lewis will also play a key role in AIR’s international expansion, helping the company serve a broader global footprint and support the growth of its manufacturing partners.
AIR Control Concepts remains committed to preserving the entrepreneurial culture and trusted relationships of each operating company while providing the scale, resources, and technology of a global organization. The company is focused on continuing to pursue growth through investments in its existing operating companies, strategic acquisitions, and deeper partnerships with leading HVAC, electrical, and controls manufacturers.
“Brad and Hayden have built an exceptional business and an outstanding leadership team at AIR,” said Seth Meisel, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone. “We are confident in Hayden’s leadership and look forward to continuing Brad’s involvement as Executive Chair.”
AIR Control Concepts, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, operates across more than 50 operating companies and employs over 3,500 associates worldwide. The company supports leading OEM partners and their customers by combining local market expertise with the scale and resources of a global organization.