Electronics Leader Signs Int. Business Manager

Electronics Leader Signs International Business Manager

A leading Christchurch electronics manufacturer has scored an employment coup with the appointment of an international business manager as Chief Executive of the multi-million dollar operation.

Frank Owen has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of GPC Electronics in Christchurch, a fast-growing contract electronics manufacturer. In a classic case of reverse brain drain, Mr Owen comes to Christchurch from California, where he was Vice President and General Manager of Raychem Power Components, a major division of the multibillion-dollar global company Tyco International.

“Attracting Frank Owen to Christchurch is a real coup for GPC Electronics,” says Christopher Janssen, GPC Electronics Group Managing Director. “He has huge global experience in managing the manufacture of high technology electronic components and equipment. The effort we have made in bringing Frank to Christchurch shows the importance we place on growing GPC Electronics in New Zealand and its place on the international manufacturing stage.”

As Vice President and General Manager of Tyco’s Raychem Power Components division, with manufacturing in Asia and North America and sales in over 30 countries, Frank Owen was responsible for the company’s performance. The division recorded solid growth under Mr Owen’s charge, including during the IT bust that followed the Internet boom of the late 1990s when most IT companies suffered sharp reductions in turnover and profit.

“Frank Owen’s international experience will ensure GPC builds on its recent strong growth in New Zealand, to become a player in the global electronic manufacturing services industry.”

“Christchurch has a world-class technologies sector, and by attracting world-class managers GPC Electronics can continue to improve the range and value of services it offers to its clients,” says Mr Janssen.

“Since establishing its Christchurch plant three years ago, GPC Electronics has recorded strong growth and an increasing list of major customers.”

Frank Owen says he is very excited about his move to Christchurch as it will allow him to balance his work and personal interests. “I am a huge fan of the outdoors lifestyle that Canterbury can offer, with the Southern Alps on one side, and the sea on the other,” says Frank. “I worked on a project with Telecom New Zealand in the early 1990s and have always wanted to come back and experience more of New Zealand.”

“I am also relishing the active and hands-on role I have at GPC Electronics. I was looking for the challenge of an existing dynamic company with great potential, and have found it with GPC.”

GPC Electronics (NZ) is a contract electronic manufacturer and provides high-level technical and management resources to clients for the manufacture and support of technically and commercially complex products.

The company is a subsidiary of Australian-based GPC Electronics, a privately owned company with annual turnover in excess of $100 million.

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