17 April 2026
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Giulia Kapp, Head of Communications & Marketing at Daikin, shares her fascinating journey in HVAC, insights into her role and guiding mantras, and an inspirational message for women and young people considering a career in the industry.
What was your first job?
My first job was in a bookshop when I was 15. Unfortunately, I got sacked for spending too much time reading the books.
When I entered the professional world, I ran my own marketing agency specialising in construction-sector clients, with a particular focus on sustainability. Back in 2009, Daikin became my most important client. After five years working with them as a consultant, I had learned so much about heat pumps that I knew I had to join the company.
What does your current role involve?
The role covers the full marketing and communications mix, from event management and branding to corporate communications and digital marketing. It’s highly varied and continues to evolve, especially with artificial intelligence reshaping the challenges and opportunities we face. I feel fortunate to have a great team and to work in an environment that encourages collaboration and experimentation to discover new ways of achieving strategic advantage.
What excites you about the industry?
From the moment I first heard about Daikin heat pumps, I thought they were a hugely exciting development. I’ve always been drawn to communications that can have a positive social impact rather than simply selling products. The HVAC industry is about much more than shifting boxes. We can play a real role in tackling climate challenges, from improving indoor air quality and reducing the transmission of viruses to lowering the carbon impact of heating and cooling our buildings. It’s an industry that delivers on every level: people, profit, and planet.
How would you like to see your career developing?
Onwards, upwards — and perhaps internationally. I’m very open-minded! With my youngest daughter about to go to university, the next decade or two feels like a time of real freedom and opportunity. It will be interesting to see what comes next.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
I’ve received plenty of good (and bad!) advice over the years, so it’s hard to choose just one. The best advice tends to be the classic mantras: trust your instincts, work with good people, stay curious and never stop learning. One thing I particularly value is actively listening to my team; they’re the ones delivering the work day-to-day and often have the sharpest insights.
What challenges do you see facing the industry?
Clear and consistent government policy, alongside funding to support widescale heat pump deployment, will be critical in unlocking investment. There is also a huge need for green skills and training to keep pace with growing demand for heat pump technicians. Young people need to see a clear career path when making their choices. Closing the ‘spark gap’ will also be key to removing barriers to heat pump adoption and reducing running costs. Ultimately, the industry needs strong leadership and practical support from government to accelerate the transition to low carbon technologies.
What would you say to women considering a career in the ACR industry?
Join us, the HVAC industry needs more women. Engineering and technician roles are still overwhelmingly male, with only around 2% currently held by women. Hopefully, greater focus on green skills and more apprenticeship opportunities will encourage more young women to enter the field. In office-based roles the balance is already improving. At Daikin UK, women make up almost 27% of our workforce and hold around 50% of senior management roles. So, while there is still work to do, there are definitely opportunities for women to progress.
Is there a little-known fact about you that might surprise people?
I’ve run five marathons, including two in the same week after a diary clash that I decided to embrace. I also sing in an award-winning chamber choir and we’re competing in an international music festival next month. I suppose I enjoy pushing myself.
Anything else you’d like to share with readers?
Daikin is the headline sponsor at Grand Designs Live in May, so if you’d like to find out more, come and say hello.
