Dave Edwards has been appointed president and chief
operating officer of
WRSystems Ltd.Edwards, who joined the Virginia-based company in 1996, replaces founder
Raymond Yu, who retired in November 2011.
Edwards was the chief architect of the company’s engineering
services division, which now employs more than 200 employees in the Norfolk
location. Collectively, WRSystems has become a major supplier to the US Federal
Government, the company says, and supports the U.S. Navy and other departments
with high-tech marine electronics, communications, sensor technologies, program
management and field-based support, on a 24-hour basis.
Edwards recently led the company’s diversification strategy into
the commercial maritime market. By leveraging existing ties with major
commercial maritime shipping companies, Edwards seized a market opportunity to
develop groundbreaking sensor technology that helps ship owners meet
ever-tightening environmental air pollution regulations, the company says.
“Our Emsys offering has shown the wider maritime community the
strengths that WRSystems and its team of professionals have to offer,” Edwards
says. “Using a ‘second generation’ laser sensor, we have moved the emissions
monitoring market forward by years.”
The Emsys project is part of a wider diversification effort that
allows the company to expand and operate in new global markets. By establishing
a global partner network, the company says, a foundation has been laid for the
company’s growth as an International player. WRSystems says it plans to build
on the successful reputation generated by Emsys by introducing future
commercial maritime products and services.
Edwards credits the team for WRSystems’ success. “Recruiting the
very best professionals is only part of the picture. Our team is formidable and
is empowered with the tools to succeed,” Edwards says. “The next few years are
going to be pivotal in the growth of the organization. This appointment is
truly an honor and I thank the board of directors of WRSystems for the confidence
they have placed in me.”