Friestad comes from United Technologies Corporation where he was responsible for a number of activities; business integration, operational productivity and efficiency working with brands such as Chubb, Sikorsky, Otis and Pratt and Whitney. Prior to that he held senior management roles with Johnson Controls and Lapp Group.
Canford chairman Hugh Morgan Williams comments: "I am delighted that Leif is to join the company as chief executive. He brings great expertise from a cross-section of electronic industries and a wealth of international experience at a time when the company is focused on developing its brands and growing in both domestic and international export markets. Leif's track record should enable us to meet our ambitious growth targets in the next three years."
Canford founder director Iain Elliott who led the selection process said, 'The final choice was extremely difficult but Leif's experience won the day. We look forward to working with Leif to make Canford even better, and in these challenging economic times to substantially grow the business for the benefit of all staff and shareholders."
Leif Friestad, a multi-linguist, who originates from the south of Norway, said today, "I am excited about my new role and have been since the opportunity first presented itself. Canford has an enviable reputation with respected brands and outstanding prospects in its traditional core markets of high quality broadcast and audio equipment coupled with a very well established service and distribution capability."
(Jim Evans)
