Our People - Key staff
1M’s commitment to quality is enhanced, as the owners – all qualified, experienced engineers – are actively involved in the business.
Jeff Wright – General Manager, 1M
E: jeff.wright@1m.co.nz | M: 022 013 6677
Jeff is a trade qualified HVAC Engineer with over 40 years’ operations, project management and management experience in the HVAC industry in Australia and New Zealand.
Jeff has a proven track record of building and developing high performing teams and delivering successful multi-million dollar projects by creating a continuous improvement culture with his teams.
Byron Keppler – Head of HVAC Maintenance Services
E: byron.keppler@1m.co.nz | M: 021 360 110
Byron has over 16 years trade experience, having completed his apprenticeship and trade certification in the UK. Byron has a proven track record across the Auckland HVAC industry, effectively managing his team, optimizing resources and achieving delivery of projects on time and to budget.
Byron is currently focused on the development of the 1st Maintenance project and quoted service team.
Ilyas Eminoglu – Energy Management & Commissioning Manager
E: ilyas.eminoglu@1m.co.nz | M: 021 225 2792
Ilyas has a level 7 bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering verified by NZQA and over 15 years’ experience in commissioning HVAC systems. His expertise lies in understanding HVAC and BMS, including assessing project requirements and analyzing existing HVAC setups. His exceptional system analysis and problem-solving skills are highlighted when investigating and troubleshooting HVAC systems.
Ilyas has successfully led his team in commissioning projects, ensuring optimal performance and validating systems. His commitment extends to continuous upskilling of both himself and his team and driving excellence in Building Energy Management.
Heather Currie – Client Services Manager
E: heather.currie@1m.co.nz | M: 021 395 332
Heather leads our Account Management team with a focus on performance, customer satisfaction, and strategic growth. With a strong foundation in account management and more than 10 years experience in the HVAC industry, she oversees our Account Managers and Coordinators, ensuring they deliver exceptional service and build lasting client relationships.
She takes the lead in onboarding new clients, resolving escalations, and guiding key projects to successful outcomes, ensuring our customers receive tailored solutions that evolve with their needs.
Riaan Van Biljon – Project Director
E: riaan.vanbiljon@1m.co.nz | M: 021 244 1124
Riaan has over 26 years’ experience in the HVAC industry and is a qualified Electrician with eight years’ trade experience. His background spans commercial and residential environments, combining strong technical capability with practical project leadership. He began his career as a technician before progressing into team leadership roles, delivering installations, system upgrades, maintenance programmes and large-scale projects.
Since joining 1M in 2019 as an HVAC Technician and Team Leader, Riaan has led teams across complex projects, ensuring work is delivered safely, to specification and within budget. With extensive hands-on experience across electrical and mechanical systems, he understands projects from installation through to commissioning and handover, while building strong working relationships with customers and colleagues.
Ruan Gaybba – Service & Quoted Service Manager
E: ruan.gaybba@1m.co.nz | M: 027 455 5052
Ruan is a trade-qualified Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic with more than 16 years’ experience working in South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand. He began his career as a Trade Assistant before completing his apprenticeship and trade qualification, moving through technical and supervisory roles across refrigeration and HVAC services.
Ruan joined 1M in 2023 and now manages the Service & Quoted Service team. His experience covers refrigeration and air-conditioning systems across a wide range of environments, including supermarkets, hospitals, manufacturing facilities and commercial buildings. Having worked in both service delivery and customer-facing roles, he understands the practical requirements of maintaining reliable systems and delivering consistent service.