East West names Ryan Flynn as Chief Executive Officer

East West Manufacturing has appointed Ryan Flynn as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding co-founder Scott Ellyson, who will become Chairman.

Flynn is expected to take up the role by June 15. He joins from engineering group Weir, where he most recently served as Regional Managing Director for North America.

The appointment places a manufacturing executive with more than 25 years of experience at the head of the Atlanta-based company, which designs and manufactures complex electronic and electromechanical products. Ellyson will retain a significant ownership stake and work with Flynn during the transition.

East West describes itself as an Integrated Manufacturing Solutions provider with more than 2,700 employees across nine facilities in seven countries. Its work spans the product lifecycle, from custom design and proprietary products to manufacturing and supply chain management.

Flynn brings experience across Asia, Europe and North America, having led industrial and manufacturing businesses in sectors including aerospace and defence, electronics and automotive. Before joining Weir, he held senior positions at ITT and Konecranes.

At ITT, he served on the executive team as President of the Connect & Control Technologies Division. At Konecranes, he was Executive Vice President of the Equipment Division. His career has included leading operations through periods of growth and difficult market conditions.

The leadership change marks a shift from founder-led executive management to a new operating leader, while keeping Ellyson involved at board level.

Ellyson co-founded East West and led the business as it built an international production base. Its customer roster includes established global brands as well as newer market entrants.

Explaining the board's decision, Ellyson said: "We are delighted to welcome Ryan Flynn as our new CEO to drive this next chapter in East West's growth and transformation as a leading IMS company. Ryan brings a wealth of leadership and business transformation experience with a relentless focus on innovation and customer excellence.

"I am confident Ryan will build on our strong culture and people, engineering-first business model, and global manufacturing footprint, advancing the company's strategic vision."

Flynn said: "This is an exciting time to join East West and lead an organization that is known for solving complex engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain challenges.

"East West's commitment to making a difference for its people and customers are foundational pillars I look forward to embracing and building upon as we accelerate the next chapter of growth."

Company profile

East West says it serves a range of end markets as an Integrated Manufacturing Solutions company. Its business covers the engineering, manufacturing and delivery of electronic and electromechanical products, supported by a global supply chain network designed to take customers from design through scaled production.

The company's nine facilities across seven countries reflect a dispersed operating model intended to support customers in different regions and manage sourcing and production closer to end markets.

Flynn's experience across multiple regions and industrial sectors aligns with the complexity of that structure. His background at Weir, ITT and Konecranes includes leadership roles in businesses serving international customers through engineered products and industrial operations.

Leadership transition

The move reflects a common stage in the development of mid-sized and larger manufacturing groups, where founders step back from executive roles while remaining closely involved in strategy and ownership. By becoming Chairman, Ellyson retains a formal governance role while handing executive responsibility to Flynn.

Flynn holds a Master of Business Administration from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of South Africa.

He will assume the Chief Executive role by June 15, while Ellyson remains with the business as Chairman and shareholder during the handover.