Furness LED and electronics specialist Oxley Group has appointed a new chief executive.

Darren Cavan has stepped up to the top job at the Ulverston-headquartered firm from his previous position as group technical director.

Mr Cavan has already had a long career with Oxley, including time spent with both Oxley Developments in the UK and its United States division, Oxley Inc.

Darren brings to the role over 25 years' experience within the aerospace and military sector, specifically in LED lighting and electronics.

Mr Cavan said he was proud to have been appointed to the top position.

“Oxley are world leaders in innovation and I look forward to leveraging our technology and working with customers to develop new solutions.

“I have a strong belief in the Oxley team and I will work with them to deliver our strategic vision and perform against our ambitious growth targets.”

The company has outlined its ambition to treble its £15 million turnover in the next ten years and double in size over the next five years.

Mr Cavan’s appointment was welcomed by Oxley chairman Peter Bedwin.

“In Darren we have a CEO who has an excellent technical understanding coupled with a valuable insight into the workings of the group,” he said.

“Darren is well respected by our customers and well placed to lead the group in exploiting our technical expertise to grow our presence in the aerospace arena.”

Mr Cavan replaces Garry North, who had held the position of chief executive since September.
He had replaced Martin Blakstad who occupied the role for five years, helping to turn around the fortunes of the company, which employs around 190 people.

In recent years the company won a number of major contracts, including the design and supply of lighting to the South Korean KF-X fighter programme, Boeing CH-47 Chinook, Sikorsky rotary platforms, the Boeing KC-46 tanker and the SAAB Gripen E as well as multiple armoured vehicle platforms.

Oxley has had a busy 2018, securing a place on the Sharing in Growth (SiG), the Government-backed aerospace productivity and competitiveness programme.

It also picked up the Best Exporter award at the in-Cumbria Business Awards 2018 and welcomed Prime Minister Theresa May back in April, when she toured the company’s Priory Park facility.

Read more about Oxley Group and its ambitious growth plans in the January edition of in-Cumbria magazine, out on December 28.