New managing director to join Tait

Tait Electronics has named Frank Owen as its new Managing Director to replace Michael Chick when he retires from the company in 2009.

Owen is due to join Tait in March from his current position as CEO of electronic manufacturing services company, GPC Electronics New Zealand.

He has had a long involvement in the Canterbury technology sector. Through his connection to the Canterbury Manufacturers and Exporters Association (he is currently Junior Vice President), he also knows Tait founder, Sir Angus.

"It is a privilege to join Tait, which is an outstanding example of a New Zealand company continuing to build a sustainable global business while maintaining a strong presence in the community.

"Canterbury's technology sector has a vibrancy that has been built up by years of research and creativity and Tait has played a leading role in this," Owen said.

"What impresses me about the company is the compassion and respect the staff have for one another, which is a real benefit to the company's customers and partners," he said.

Owen has worked as an electronics engineer for Philips in Britain, France, Holland and Austria, before moving to the US initially with Raychem and then Tyco. At Tyco he was responsible for the Power Components Divisions with over 4400 staff worldwide.

Owen has a BSc First Class in Electronic Engineering from the University of London and a MBA from IMD International in Switzerland. He is a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, a radio amateur license holder and a director of the Canterbury Development Corporation.

Tait Electronics Chairman Peter van Rij said: "It will be business as usual. Company founder, Sir Angus Tait, planned well ahead of his death last year to ensure that users, suppliers, stakeholders and staff could benefit from long-term stability by establishing the company as a trust, similar to German company Bosch."

Chick, who will remain a board member, has spent 17 years with the company, including seven years based in Christchurch as the group's Managing Director. He has been a Director since 2001.