Our People

Over the years, Yunca has been shaped by dedicated and talented individuals, each playing a vital role in leading departments to drive the company forward. Many have remained part of the Yunca family for decades, with over ten team members surpassing 20 years of service alongside Terry and the broader team.

Invercargill

HEAD OFFICE AND FACTORY

KARYNA YOUNG

Chief Executive Officer
Karyna Young, Chief Executive of the Yunca Group, is a driving force behind the company’s innovation and growth. A key member of the Heating Research & Development team, she collaborates closely with the Heating division and leads expansion into emerging markets.

Overseeing Yunca’s four branches, Karyna also serves as Chairperson of Enpot Limited, where Yunca is a major shareholder. Based in Waikato with her partner and three sons, she spends a third of the year on-site at Yunca’s factories.

Since stepping into the role in 2020 as part of her family’s succession plan, Karyna has continued to build on Yunca’s legacy, with particular emphasis on innovation and design.

TERRY YOUNG

Lead Engineering Consultant
Terry Young, founder of Yunca Group, has spent decades shaping the company’s success trhough hands-on leadership. In recent years, he passed the CEO role to his daughter, Karyna, ensuring the next generation continues to drive Yunca forward.

Based at the Invercargill head office, Terry remains deeply involved, blending family and business—he even names Yunca’s stunning wood fires after his grandchildren. Today, he and Karyna enjoy collaborating on new engineering contracts, assess emerging opportunities and commercialise existing projects, with a strong focus on green energy innovation.

SAM MUIR

Chief Revenue Officer
Sam is Yunca Group’s Head Sales Manager for Heating, bringing a wealth of sales experience and a passion for renewable heating solutions. His drive and expertise have propelled Yunca’s sales to record highs across New Zealand, Australasia, and Northern India.

A key player in the R&D process, Sam ensures new products meet market demands, guiding them from development to launch with precision.

A proud Southland Blues supporter, Sam is still hitting the rugby field in his early 40s—though his black eyes suggest it might be time to pass the ball to his two young sons, as they start to follow in their old man’s shoes.

SELUCIO DANTAS

Yunca Head Office General Manager
Selucio joined Yunca in 2017, bringing global expertise in project management, quality control, and health and safety coordination. He was appointed Head Office General Manager in late 2022.

He holds a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (NZQA Level 7) and a specialised qualification in Management and Technology in Construction (NZQA Level 8), equipping him with the skills to drive Yunca’s operations forward.

GLEN RIKA

Yunca HO Factory Foreman
Glen is the go-to team member at Yunca! Since he first walked through the door more than 11 years year 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.

ORLIE CASPI

Chief Draftsman
Orlie is Yunca Group’s Chief Draftsman, contributing his expertise to both the Heating and Engineering divisions.

Born in the Philippines, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Beyond his professional skills, Orliehas a wide range of intrests, from basketball, badminton and fishing to electronics.

CRISTINE DANTAS

Office Administrator
Cristine is based at Yunca’s Invercargill Head Office, where she manages the company’s accounts, oversees contracts for its engineering division, and ensures the smooth day-to-day operation of the office.

She holds two  Bachelor’s degrees in Business Management as well as Law (both Level 7, Brazil), as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Enterprise (Level 8, New Zealand).

Dunedin

MARK STUART

Dunedin General Manager
Mark joined Yunca Dunedin as General Manager in 2018, bringing leadership and innovation to the team. Since then, he has focused on improving processes and implementing new machinery to enhance operations.

His history with Yunca dates back to 1993, when he worked as an assembly worker and later as a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator. After gaining 22 years of experience at Farra Sheetmetal Engineering, Mark returned to Yunca to share his expertise.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his children and grandkids and continues to play 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, staying until 1999 before moving to Fisher & Paykel, where he gained a decade of valuable experience in manufacturing.

He later returned to Yunca Dunedin, to share his expertise with the Yunca team. 

Outside of work, Chris enjoys doing- up cars, fishing and spending time with family.

WARWICK SIMS

Designer
Warwick joined the Yunca Dunedin team in 2020 as a designer and CNC machine programmer.

Following his apprenticeship as a toolmaker, Warwick progressed into mechanical design in the 1980s with a company leading the charge in  CAD / CAM systems in New Zealand. He then got  involved in the design and manufacture of high precision press tooling for the world automotive and whiteware industries.

Outside of work, Warwick spends his time in the skies, flying and teaching others to fly.

INDIA

YUNCA MACHINERY MANUFACTURING PVT LTD

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.