Kathy Cumella dies
Many in the industry will be saddened to hear of the death of Kathy Cumella, who retired as the long-serving marketing manager of Walter Meier (Climate UK) in 2011, after a short time in a Marie Curie Hospice.
Her 40 years in the industry began when she joined the then Climate Equipment, the air-conditioning distribution arm of How Group, in 1971 in a secretarial role. She soon became involved in marketing operations and helped steer the company through the many changes it experience over four decades.
Mike Slattery, Walter Meier’s UK managing director commented at Kathy’s retirement: ‘After almost 40 years of service, much of this in a senior role as marketing manager, Kathy will be greatly missed by all at Walter Meier. Amongst her many achievements, establishing the brands of Climate Equipment and latterly Walter Meier are a lasting legacy.
‘However Kathy, as all who know her will recall, was always much more than just a very effective marketer. Her eternal optimism, great wit and kindness endeared her to all that dealt with her and she will be fondly remembered as one of the great characters of our industry.’
