The parent firm behind Fife lens-making specialist Spanoptic has announced the appointment of a new chief executive as it outlined a string of changes to its board.
AIM-listed Gooch & Housego said Gareth Jones would relinquish his role as chief executive a post he has held since 2003 at the end of this year, and step up to the chairman’s seat.
Chairman Julian Blogh will stand down after more than eight years in the hot seat, with non-executive director Mark Webster taking over as CEO from January 1.
Spanoptic, which employs around 60 people at its base in Glenrothes, makes precision optical components used in the aerospace, defence and healthcare industries.
The firm, specialising in curved optics, was taken over by Ilminster-based Gooch & Housego late last year following a £6.6m deal. Its new owners see the acquisition as an important plank of efforts to pick up more business in Asia.
It said the forthcoming boardroom changes would “ensure the orderly succession of its senior management team”.
Mr Webster who has worked with Abbott Laboratories, Shire Pharmaceuticals and Bayer Healthcare will take over as deputy chief executive in a fortnight’s time ahead of a handover period.
Mr Jones will then take over as non-executive chairman from January 1.
“For a period of no more than three years, Gareth will be appointed non-executive chairman, thereby ensuring that Gooch & Housego continues to benefit from his extensive knowledge of the business, and of the photonics industry, during this period of board succession,” the company said.
Mr Jones thanked Dr Blogh for his wisdom and guidance and said he was pleased Mr Webster would follow him as chief executive.
“His extensive experience in leadership roles in UK, US and multi-national businesses will be of great value in the future development of the company,” he said.
“Finally, I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to continue to contribute to the success of G&H in the role of non-executive chairman, and to bring continuity during this period of change.”
Mr Webster paid tribute to the group’s “dedicated and highly-skilled” workforce in Fife and Somerset.
“I am also pleased that the strong working relationship I have developed with Gareth over the past 2 years as a member of the company’s board will continue with his new role as non-executive chairman,” he said.