Management Team

George Burnes - President & CEO, Director

Prior to joining Smartcool Systems Inc., Mr. Burnes was instrumental in the development of several customer-focused enterprises engaged in new product and service deployment. Mr. Burnes most recently held the position of President & COO of Novus Entertainment Inc; a communications service provider offering consumer's choice for their entertainments needs. Mr. Burnes was also President & COO of Silent Witness Enterprises Inc, a leading developer of advanced security systems distributed worldwide. Additionally he was founding director of Image Systems Corporation, a company engaged in the development of interactive television systems and services.

Mr. Burnes has over 20 years of management experience with 10 years of specialization in management and financial consulting.

Chris Lefaivre - Vice President of Business Development

Prior to joining Smartcool Systems Inc., Mr. Lefaivre played a key role in building and managing several business to business product and service distribution networks. Mr. Lefaivre most recently held the position of Business Unit Director for UTEL Networks, the business to business sales unit of Teligence Communications; a company specializing in telecommunications and non face to face commerce solutions. Mr. Lefaivre was also Vice-President Business Development for Guardian Technologies Inc. a company engaged in the distribution of advanced security technologies. Additionally he was a founder of Novus Entertainment Inc, and held senior positions in Business Planning, Corporate Development and Finance over the course of the company's development.

Cameron Hunter - Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Cameron Hunter joined Smartcool Systems Inc. in 2009 and brings with him over 15 years experience of building global sales teams as well as developing and executing sales strategies for new and innovative technologies.

Prior to joining Smartcool Systems Inc., Mr. Hunter served as President and CEO of Norsat International Inc. - a TSX listed telecommunications provider of satellite systems and sub-components. He has also held senior international sales and strategic partnership positions for leading technology brands such as SkyStream Networks (now owned by LM Ericsson), Harris Corporation, and Nortel Networks.

Ken Landymore - Director of Operations

Ken Landymore brings a wealth of experience throughout the supply chain in the areas of manufacturing, purchasing, logistics, customer service, service, and after sales support. Most recently, Mr. Landymore was the General Manager, Parts and Service for Trail Appliances where he was instrumental in improving both the financial performance and service delivery metrics. Prior to that, he spent many years in the consumer electronics and computer industries in a variety of supply chain capacities. Everywhere he has been Mr. Landymore has demonstrated the ability to improve the process and delivery while minimizing costs.

Russ Visser - Technical Director

Russ Visser brings over 30 years of technical experience to the Smartcool team from such diverse industries as Oil and Gas, Food Manufacturing, Electrical Generation and Distribution, Water Purification, and Electrical Design and Construction, Custom Production Equipment Manufacturing, as well as a background in Automation and Control systems. He began his career as an electrician and later achieved a degree in Electrical Engineering. He has always specialized in "Hands On" field type projects and enjoys trouble shooting and technical problem solving. Prior to joining Smartcool he was one of three founders of Kettle Valley Dried Fruits, which was, a manufacturer of Dried Fruit based Energy Bars sold worldwide. Mr. Visser has also been the Principal of Wasatch Consultants; an Engineering Consulting and Custom Equipment Manufacturer, since 1992.

Suellen McAlpin - Business Development Manager, Asia-Pacific Region

Prior to joining Smartcool Systems Inc., Mrs. McAlpin played a key role in building and managing a number of international distributor networks. Mrs. McAlpin most recently held the position of President of Abbotly Technologies Pty Ltd previous to its acquisition by Smartcool Systems Inc. With over twenty (20) years of experience working in all facets of sales and marketing, strategic development and implementation, product development, training, project management and change management both domestically and internationally, with 10 of those years specialized in management consulting. Prior to her role with Abbotly, Mrs McAlpin worked with Austrade (Australian Trade Commission) as part of its privatisation process to develop and implement commercial operating parameters in terms of product offering, marketing strategies, personnel and pricing.

Andrew Sanders - Managing Director, Smartcool Systems (EMEA) Ltd.

Bringing a wealth of experience to the Smartcool EMEA board in corporate consolidation and organisational integration, Mr. Sanders has established a solid foundation for the expansion of the client portfolio. Educated at the University of Essex, with a BSc Joint Honors in Mathematics, Operational Research and Economics, Mr. Sanders is a member of IMA.

With technical and management experience in project integration, product launch and planning, Mr. Sanders maintains a high profile throughout the various international offices. Working as a member of the Smartcool UK board of directors for the past fourteen (14) years, Mr. Sanders leads the organisational and planning development of Smartcool EMEA.

His past career involves various financial and commercial consolidation projects and large IT installation initiatives with organisations such as Thorn EMI and Allied Domecq. With experience in managing people through change and leading organisations to achieve results, Mr. Sanders has project managed acquisition initiatives, working to establish a strategic and operational plan to ensure successful integration is achieved.

Steven Martin - Sales Director, Smartcool Systems (EMEA) Ltd.

Mr. Martin is one of the founding directors of Smartcool EMEA. His previous career in Estate and Property Management & Sales provided him with a wide and varied experience across a range of industry sectors.

Respected in the disciplines of sales and marketing, his unique portfolio of skills has attracted a team of leading professional colleagues to work alongside him. As well as appearing in national newspapers, television and trade magazines, Mr. Martin shares his technical experience with clients as a practical business perspective in energy management. With over sixteen (16) years experience in the delivery of innovative energy solutions, he brings a wealth of knowledge in the technical, sales and management aspects of the industry. Mr. Martin remains at the forefront of client relationships and consultancy projects, meeting with clients and prospective business partners to ensure effective communication at all levels is maintained.