The new boss of Saltaire-electronics firm Filtronic has pledged to refocus the business after he was unveiled to investors yesterday.

Former finance director Charles Hindson was announced as the company's new chief executive, taking over the role from chairman John Poulter.

Mr Poulter had been in charge temporarily since the departure of the company's founder, Professor David Rhodes, at last month's AGM.

However, Mr Hindson said that recent changes in the company structure meant he did not feel too apprehensive about stepping in to Mr Rhodes' shoes.

"I do not think the design, size and shape of the company is the same now as the Filtronic he helped build because we have disposed of nearly three quarters of the business with the sale of the wireless division to Powerwave.

"We are now going to concentrate on the company's remaining business that we have kept in the defence and point to point radio areas. I am proud to be taking on the role."

He began his career in 1981 as an investment controller for 3i. He went on to work for PriceWaterhouse and British Gas as senior manager and financial planning manager respectively.

He then spent six years working with BT as head of finance and controller of global finance.

His last job prior to joining Filtronic was finance director for satellite company Eutelsat SA.

He is also a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and a member of the Association of Corporate Treasurers.

Mr Rhodes took on the role of chief executive after the departure in January of John Roulston.

He made it clear from the outset that it was temporary measure as the company sought to stabilise its operational position as it went through the procedure of selling off the wireless division.

The deal was completed last month for $20.7 million newly issued Powerwave shares and £81.3 in cash. More than 200 jobs at the Shipley base were transferred to the US company, as well as its operations in Hungary, China and America.