Fest appoints new Board of Director following its annual General Assembly in Milano (Italy)
Milano, 26 March 2026 — The European Federation of the Sanitary and Heating Wholesale Trade (FEST) held its annual General Assembly last week during #MCE Mostra Convegno in Milan, bringing together members from across Europe to discuss priorities for the sector and the organisation’s future direction.
On this occasion, FEST confirmed a change in leadership with the appointment of its renewed Board of Directors.
Mr David Juan Navarrete officially takes his role as President of FEST, succeeding Dobrochna Pelsma-Kasperek, who now assumes the role of Past President.
“I would like to thank FEST for the trust in appointing me President of FEST. I am genuinely excited to take on this role at such an important moment for our sector.
My focus is clear: strengthen collaboration across markets, accelerate progress on sustainability and digitalisation, and ensure our members are ready for what comes next.
We will also reinforce FEST’s role in bringing wholesalers, installers, and manufacturers closer together, because that alignment will define our success.I look forward to getting started with all of you.”
FEST is also pleased to announced that, simultaneously of David’s presidency nomination, Mr Uwe Niederprüm has been appointed Vice-President.
The General Assembly also marked the conclusion of Johan Stevens’ longstanding involvement in FEST’s leadership. Having served as Vice-President, President and Past President, his contribution has been instrumental in shaping the organisation’s development over recent years. FEST extends its sincere thanks and wishes him all the best for the future.
“Looking back after a very successful trip to beautiful Milan and a well organised General Assembly. It was a great pleasure and honour to be part of the FEST Family and contribute to its future. I am convinced that David and Uwe will bring the association to the next level, and I’m fully committed to helping them achieve it. On a personal note, I’m very grateful to everyone who welcomed me and showed me around, during my first FEST General Assembly.
Two working Groups are of high importance to me: Sustainability and Master Data, in the present circumstances they are very relevant for all our Stakeholders in the European Value Chain.” stated Marnix Van Hoe, FEST Director General.
Lastly, we are pleased to announce that Katarina Swahn, representing the Swedish association, joins the Board as a new member, further strengthening the organisation’s European representation. FEST expresses its appreciation to the organisers of Mostra Convegno for their warm welcome and the excellent organisation of this year’s General Assembly.
