Forty Glorious Years and Counting

APAC learning manager Graham Hamill shares the secrets of his staying power

A walking advertisement for staff loyalty, Graham John Hamill celebrates his 40th year with the company in 2020. Throughout his career with Johnson Controls, he traveled extensively and worked with colleagues and customers across Asia Pacific.

Cultural and language differences never stopped Graham from gelling with the teams no matter which country they are from. It is no wonder he was voted by his colleagues as one of Johnson Controls' diversity and inclusion champions in the last competition held within Asia Pacific.

This Melbourne-based regional manager of Technical Support, Global Sales and Technical Learning & Development lets us in on a few things he has figured out over the years.

Tell us how it all began. 

I started as an apprentice refrigeration mechanic with York Borg Warner at 1283 Malvern Road in Melbourne in November 1979. I remember the address as I had to catch a train, then a tram, and then walk 2km to get to work until I got my driver’s license. 

I moved to China in 1999, to Singapore in 2010 and then back to Melbourne in 2019. What a blast!



Why have you stayed on? 

Mainly because I like the YORK brand. Also, I think that you have two options: One is to work for several companies for varied experiences that hopefully align with what you want to achieve. 

The other option, which I chose, is to stay with one company and be aware that there will be big changes within the company, as well as different opportunities for you if you keep learning and keep an open mind. I was lucky, opportunities came my way and I seized them. For half of my career, I worked overseas and benefited from exposure to different experiences and cultures.

There were lots of changes too, including mergers and acquisitions, which made it feel like I worked for several companies anyway. My work scope also grew as I gained experience. Now, I use our technology platforms to train our Service team remotely.

But whichever path you take, the most important thing is being happy with your choices.

Looking back, what has changed the most at the company?  

When I started, the amount of energy a chiller consumes was less important than the temperature of the water emerging from the pipes. Now, the focus is on energy efficiency and sustainability. This is good. 

What has not changed? 

People. Everyone seeks happiness and purpose. We all come to work to try to make a difference and be rewarded for a job well done.

Well-said Graham! And you have certainly made a difference in Johnson Controls and in the lives of many colleagues.