Gooch & Housego appoints new COO

01 Sep 2014

Alex Warnock joins UK optical systems specialist, which is undergoing executive reshuffle.

Alex Warnock - new COO at G&H.

Following last month’s news from Gooch & Housego (G&H) that CEO Gareth Jones will step down at the end of this year, to be replaced by Mark Webster, the company has announced the appointment of Alex Warnock as Chief Operating Officer.

Warnock, who will formally take up his position on 10th November, has also been appointed to G&H’s company’s Board of Directors. He joins the specialist manufacturer of optical components and systems from Scottish firm Optos, where he has most recently worked as chief operating officer, and was responsible for global, multi-site operations. At Optos, he previously held the position of chief technology officer.

G&H 'in transition'

G&H commented that Warnock’s experience of leading the integration of manufacturing, supply-chain, R&D and product management to successfully bring complex photonics-based new products to market is particularly relevant to G&H “as the company transitions towards being a more systems-based business”.

Warnock has an extensive track record in international markets and broad experience of new product introduction, particularly of complex electronic products. He has held the positions of Director, Global CAS Technology and Development for DePuy iOrthopaedics (a division of Johnson & Johnson); Divisional Vice President and Senior GM/VP Engineering at Pace Micro Technology; and European Operations Manager at Motorola. He holds a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and is a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Gareth Jones, CEO, said, “I am pleased to be able to welcome Alex to G&H, and I am sure that his experience of running operations on both sides of the Atlantic and bringing new products to market will be invaluable in helping us to achieve our growth plans.” When Jones steps down, he is set to take over from Julian Blogh as the company’s non-executive chairman.

Gooch & Housego is a photonics technology business headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with operations in the USA and Europe. The company develops advanced photonic systems, components and instrumentation for applications in aerospace and defense, industrial, life sciences and research sectors.

About the Author

Matthew Peach is a contributing editor to optics.org.