Laird CFO steps up to chief executive

THE chief financial officer of technology company Laird will take over as CEO when current boss David Lockwood leaves to join aerospace and defence business Cobham.

Tony Quinlan, who joined Laird as CFO in July 2015, will take over as Laird boss on 5 September.

Richard Harris, the current group financial controller, will assume Quinlan’s previous responsibilities as leader of the finance function on an interim basis, while Laird looks for a permanent successor.

Laird said Quinlan has played a key part in the strategic direction of the group and has demonstrated strong leadership.

Martin Read, chairman of Laird, said Quinlan “has been very impressive since joining us and we believe he has the leadership skills and track record to take the business forward”.

Lockwood joins Cobham after it recently recruited David Mellors as its new chief financial officer from rival engineering group QinetiQ.