Brent Schroeder of Troy, Ohio Passes Away Suddenly: Copeland Company Mourns the Loss of a Respected Leader and Longtime Colleague
Brent Schroeder, a revered leader in the HVACR industry and a beloved member of the Troy, Ohio community, passed away on Saturday evening at the age of 59 due to natural causes, surrounded by his family .
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Brent dedicated over 35 years to Emerson Electric, where he held pivotal leadership roles, including Group President of Heating & Air Conditioning for Emerson’s Commercial & Residential Solutions group . In this capacity, he oversaw a portfolio of market-leading brands, including Copeland compressors, White-Rogers controls, and Sensi thermostats—a business segment with revenues exceeding $2 billion.
In 2022, Brent took on the role of Chief Operating Officer & Head of Global Technology for Emerson’s Climate Technologies Group, a division generating approximately $5 billion in revenue. He played a key role in leading the group through its strategic divestiture to Blackstone, helping to establish Copeland as a newly independent company. Brent was instrumental in shaping the company’s global operations strategy, advanced manufacturing, supply chain, and innovation systems, as well as in defining Copeland’s business model and Lean operating framework .
A Life Rooted in Service and Mentorship
Beyond his corporate achievements, Brent was deeply committed to industry advancement and mentorship. He served on the Board of Directors of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), contributed to the Board of Trustees for North American Technician Excellence (NATE), and mentored veterans through American Corporate Partners (ACP) .
Brent’s dedication to education was evident through his involvement with the KEEN Advisory Board at Ohio Northern University, his alma mater, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and participated in varsity basketball and golf.
Remembered for His Character and Compassion
Colleagues and friends remember Brent for his integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Copeland Company expressed their sorrow, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Brent Schroeder, a friend, mentor, former colleague, and a leader within the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry. Brent spent 35 years at Copeland (formerly Emerson Climate Technologies) and brought passion, integrity, and a competitive spirit to our culture” .
In the Troy community, Brent was known as a compassionate neighbor and friend, always willing to lend a helping hand and offer encouragement. His kindness and generosity left a lasting impact on those around him .
A Personal Loss
Brent is survived by his beloved wife, Kelly, and their two adult children. His family, friends, and colleagues mourn the loss of a man whose life was marked by dedication, kindness, and an enduring legacy of leadership.
Funeral arrangements and memorial service details have not yet been publicly announced.