KARYNA YOUNG
Chief Executive Officer
Karyna plays a key role in driving innovation and growth at Yunca Group.
As part of the Heating Research & Development team, she works closely with the Heating division and leads the company’s expansion into emerging markets.
She oversees Yunca’s four branches across New Zealand and India and also leads EnPot Limited, where Yunca is a major shareholder. Based in the Waikato with her partner and three sons, Karyna spends about a third of the year on-site at Yunca’s factories.
Since taking on leadership of the company in 2020 as part of her family’s succession plan, Karyna has continued to grow the business, focusing on innovation and thoughtful design to build on Yunca’s strong legacy.
TERRY YOUNG
Lead Engineering Consultant
Terry Young, founder of Yunca Group, has spent decades building the company’s success through hands-on leadership. In recent years, he handed the CEO role to his daughter, Karyna, ensuring the next generation continues to drive Yunca forward.
Still based at the Invercargill head office, Terry remains actively involved. He enjoys blending business and family, famously naming Yunca’s signature wood fires after his grandchildren. Terry continues to collaborate closely with Karyna on engineering contracts, emerging opportunities, and the commercialisation of green energy innovations.
SAM MUIR
Chief Revenue Officer
Since joining Yunca in 2015, Sam has been instrumental in driving growth across all divisions of theYunca Group.
Sam’s business acumen was initially honed in radio sales and further developed over eight years as Yunca’s Australasia Sales Manager. Sam brings a wealth of industry knowledge to his current role as Chief Revenue Officer.
Sam is a real people person who builds strong relationships with customers and workmates alike. He is also a big believer in bringing a good dose of humour to work!
When Sam clocks off, you’re likely to find him in the surf or at the local rugby ground getting stuck in with his two young sons.
SELUCIO DANTAS
Chief Operating Officer
Selucio joined Yunca in 2017, bringing with him broad global expertise from a range of sectors. Originally from Brazil, Selucio has worked in leadership roles across engineering, operations, and team development.
Selucio combines an analytical mindset with practical experience in lean manufacturing and process improvement. He is passionate about continuous improvement and skilled in using tools such as 5s, PDCA, VMS, RCA and other lean management systems to create more intelligent, efficient workflows.
Selucio holds a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration and a specialised qualification in Management and Technology in Construction. When he’s not busy optimising Yunca’s Operations you’ll find him catching waves, riding motorbikes or cycling. Never a dull moment!
GLEN RIKA
Yunca HO Factory Foreman
Glen is the go-to team member at Yunca. Since he first walked through the door almost 15 years ago, he has built up a deep technical understanding of Yunca’s operations. Starting as Store Manager, he was promoted to Factory Foreman in 2021.
As the resident Health and Safety Rep at HQ, Glen is committed to continuous learning, making workplace safety a top priority. When he’s not at work he enjoys getting away in the caravan and attempting to fish.
ORLIE CASPI
Chief Design Engineer
Orlie is the Chief Draftsman at Yunca Group, supporting both the Heating and Engineering divisions. He specialises in creating precise technical drawings, preparing bills of materials, and ensuring design accuracy and compliance. Detail-oriented and creative, Orlie excels in both design and fabrication.
Originally from the Philippines, Orlie holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. He spent a decade in engineering and design roles before relocating to New Zealand with his family.
Outside of work, he’s into mountain biking, fishing, bush walking and fixing up anything electronic.
CRISTINE DANTAS
Chief Financial Officer
Cristine is Yunca’s numbers whizz. Her focus is on smart cashflow management, clear reporting and cost control to support sustainable growth.
Cristine’s superpower is process improvements. Data driven decision making help her to optimise costs and keep the business running smoothly.
She holds two Bachelor’s degrees in both Business Management and Law, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Enterprise.
Gavin Edwards
Technical / North Island Sales
With over 30 years in the heating industry, Gavin’s combination of industry knowledge and engineering skill is deeply valued at Yunca. With a background in automotive and mechanical engineering, there are few customer queries that Gavin cannot answer!
Gavin is NZQA qualified in mechanical engineering, a registered mechanic, holds NZQA Registered Trainer 4098, TA 002 Building Controls and Inspections as well as NZQA Qualified Sheet Fed Printer 5 yr Apprentice. When not at work Gavin enjoys sailing, fishing, and of course answering customer queries.
Tiago Feitoza
Engineering Producton Manager
Tiago manages production for Yunca’s engineering division, oversees process improvements, and maintains health and safety standards. He also develops and trains Yunca’s people on Standard Operating Procedures and coordinates quality assurance processes across multiple departments.
With an extensive background in mechanical design, technical support, and production management in both NZ and Brazil, he plays a key role in enhancing Yunca’s manufacturing processes. Tiago has a Master’s degree in Applied Management and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and is passionate about innovation and problem-solving. Beyond work he’s into volleyball, skateboarding, snowboarding and boardgames.
Jade Avia
Sales and Administration
Jade is based at Yunca’s Invercargill Head Office, she serves as the Showrooms Salesperson and is also an integral member of the Administration Team. With her vibrant energy and passion for delivering excellent customer service, Jade brings a unique spark to everything she does. Whether assisting clients in finding the perfect products or offering tailored solutions, her positive attitude and dedication to going above and beyond ensure a quality experience for every customer.
Jade’s approachable personality and commitment to excellence make her a standout asset to the team, and she’s always ready to brighten your day with her professional, yet friendly approach.
MARK STUART
Dunedin General Manager
Mark became General Manager of Yunca Dunedin in 2018, bringing strong leadership and a focus on innovation. Since that time, he’s led improvements in processes and introduced new machinery to boost efficiency.
His journey with Yunca began in 1993 as an assembly worker, later becoming a CNC Operator. After 22 years with Farra Sheetmetal Engineering, he returned to Yunca with valuable experience.
Outside of work, Mark enjoys time with his children and grandkids and still plays competitive football in the Dunedin Masters League.
CHRIS BROWN
Dunedin Factory Manager
Chris has spent his entire career in manufacturing and is known for his ‘can-do’ attitude. He first joined Yunca Dunedin in 1988, where he stayed for a decade, before moving to Fisher & Paykel where he gained valuable experience in manufacturing.
He later returned to Yunca Dunedin to share his expertise with the Yunca team. Chris has a brilliant ability to think laterally, which makes him our resident problem solver.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys doing- up cars, fishing and spending time with family.
Warwick brings over 40 years of precision engineering expertise to Yunca’s Dunedin branch, where he leads all aspects of CAD design and supports CNC programming and Ostendo Manufacturing software customisation.
Starting his career as a Toolmaker in 1982, Warwick earned Trade and Advanced Trade Certificates before transitioning into CAD design for global automotive and whiteware industries. He also holds a Diploma in Business Studies and Computer Programming.
Warwick is a licensed pilot and instructor for light sport aircraft… engineering on the ground and in the sky.
Millie Bray
South Island Sales
Based in the Dunedin branch, Millie joined Yunca in 2023 and looks after both the showroom, administration and Yunca’s retail agents. Millie helps customers find the perfect fire to warm their home and can often be found travelling around the South Island ensuring fire-seekers are getting the very best service.
Outside of work, you’ll likely find Millie camping, rollerblading, or walking the dog.
DATTARAM SAWANT
Yunca India Plant Manager
Dattaram holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Goa University and has a strong background in finance and accounting.
He began his journey with Yunca India as an Accounts & Administration Executive and has grown into his current role as Plant Manager, overseeing operations alongside a range of other responsibilities.
KETAN B MATONKAR
Yunca India Production Manager
Ketan has a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Padre Conceicao College of Engineering, in Goa India.
Ketan joined the team at Yunca India in its early days brings his wealth of experience to his current role as Production Manager, while also overseeing Design, Quality, and Indian Sales.
RHUNALI RAWAL
Yunca India Purchasing
Rhunali joined the Yunca India team in 2019 and is responsible for purchasing and administration.
