Clackamas, Ore.-based Contact Industries has expanded its management team by hiring John Ferry as its new president. In his new role, Ferry is charged with overseeing day-to-day operations of the engineered wood products company, while former president Frank Pearson steps into a newly created CEO role and focuses on longer-term strategies.

Ferry has more than 20 years of senior management experience, having held president and chief financial officer roles at a number of companies both in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, including engineering and manufacturing businesses such as Sikorsky and Smiths Aerospace. He holds an M.A. honors degree in accounts and economics from Dundee University and an M.B.A. from Bath University.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity,” Ferry says. “While wood products is a new industry for me, there are many parallels to my previous manufacturing experience, and the perspective I gained from aerospace and other industries will be valuable as we navigate the many diverse markets for the capabilities we have to offer.”

While Ferry focuses on working to grow the business in key industry segments and enhance manufacturing efficiencies, Pearson will be turning attention to longer-term strategies for growth, including new product development and prospective new market initiatives, according to the company.