World leading microwave engineering company Flann Microwave has announced the appointment of Ian Crane as its new Chief Operating Officer.

Ian takes over the leadership of the company from Professor James Watts who will be stepping down from his role after nine years as Chief Executive.

Ian brings almost 50 years of high-level engineering and management expertise to the role, more than 40 of which have been with Flann, in positions including Engineering Director, eight years as Chief Executive and most recently the company’s Chief Technical Officer.

With a 69-strong team based in Bodmin, Flann has a 60-year track record of continuous innovation and manufacturing expertise which has seen the company secure a market-leading position in the design and manufacture of precision RF and microwave components.

Ian Crane originally joined Flann as an engineering graduate to work with the company’s inspirational founder, the late Bernard Fleming, and went on to become a key figure in the business where he has spent the majority of his career.

Ian said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be taking on the leadership of Flann Microwave at an exciting time for the company.

“There is a fantastic and hugely talented team of people here and I look forward to working closely with them, our customers and industry partners as we build upon our global market-leading position and explore new opportunities for our technology.”

Colleen Fleming, Chairman of Flann Microwave, said: “Throughout its history, quality and performance have been the hallmarks of Flann Microwave, with innovation, commitment to engineering expertise, attention to detail and customer service right at the heart of the business and its people.

“Ian is an exceptional manager and engineer and has a long association with Flann and a deep insight into the company and its values. I am delighted that he will be leading the company which I know means so much to him, as it does to my fellow directors.

“We are very grateful to James Watts for his leadership over the last nine years and contribution with his exceptional technical expertise, and we wish him well for the future.”

James Watts said: “I am incredibly proud of our achievements as Flann has embarked on a successful growth strategy which has seen new ideas, processes and people contributing to the enduring success of this unique company.

“I feel now is the right time both for me personally, and for my family, to move on and allow the impressive team of people here, under new leadership, to continue to build on these successes and drive the company forward.”