James Routh brought on as next AB Dynamics CEO

Designer, manufacturer and supplier of advanced testing systems and measurement products AB Dynamics announced the appointment of Dr James Routh as its chief executive officer on Tuesday, with effect from 1 October.

The AIM-traded firm said 45-year-old Dr Routh studied at Cranfield University, where he obtained a PhD in engineering before joining Cranfield Aerospace as a project engineering manager in 2000.

He subsequently joined Flight Refuelling in 2003 as head of engineering - design verification, before later serving at senior management level in Chemring Group, David Brown Gear Systems and more recently at Diploma, where he led the international seals division.

The board said Dr Routh would bring a “broad range” of executive and leadership expertise to AB Dynamics, with a “proven track record” of growing international engineering companies.

It said he had “extensive” experience of strategy, product development and mergers and acquisitions, having delivered a number of successful international acquisitions.

“I am delighted to be joining AB Dynamics as chief executive officer and to have the opportunity to help take the company to the next stage in its development and growth,” said James Routh.

“The company has a strong reputation for innovative products and services for the global automotive testing sector and I look forward to working with Tony and the Board to deliver continued long term, profitable growth.”

AB Dynamics board chairman Tony Best added that he was “very pleased” that Dr Routh would be joining AB Dynamics as CEO.

“James has a track record in the management of the size of business to which we now aspire, providing operational improvements and the development of overseas operations,” Best said.

“I very much look forward to having him on board.”