Jack Johnston has been named chief executive officer of HVAC market wholesaler Winsupply Inc., retaining his title as company president.

He succeeds Rick Schwartz, who is stepping down from after 17 years. Schwartz remains chairman of the Winsupply board of directors.

 “I have tremendous faith in our next level of management and the employees of (Winsupply)  and the entire Win group of companies,” Schwartz said. “This is part of an ongoing succession process that will ultimately result in putting the next generation of executive leadership in place. We have a great team waiting to move up and it will be fun to watch them succeed and grow.

Jack Johnston, who has been with the company since 1977, is the third CEO in the HVAC sales company's history, which was founded in 1956 under the name Primus.

 “This is the culmination of a lot of work by our succession planning committee,” Johnston said. “I’m both excited and humbled to step into this important role. Rick and his predecessor Dick set great examples as leaders, and I’m committed to carrying forward our company philosophy, principles for success and strategic objectives.”