Defense Veteran James Cannon Takes Helm at Micross to Steer Growth

📊 Key Data
  • Revenue Growth: Micross's revenue grew more than tenfold under Vincent Buffa's leadership.
  • M&A Activity: Micross completed 5 strategic acquisitions between 2020 and 2025.
  • Market Growth: Global demand for military/aerospace semiconductors projected to reach $18B by 2035 (9.5% CAGR).
🎯 Expert Consensus

Experts would likely conclude that James Cannon's extensive defense and industrial experience positions him to drive Micross's next phase of growth, leveraging strategic acquisitions and capital investments to expand its leadership in high-reliability microelectronics.

24 days ago
Defense Veteran James Cannon Takes Helm at Micross to Steer Growth

Defense Veteran James Cannon Takes Command at Micross Components

MELVILLE, N.Y. – March 16, 2026 – In a strategic move signaling a new phase of ambitious growth, Micross Components, Inc. has appointed seasoned defense and industrial executive James J. (Jim) Cannon as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment places a leader with a formidable track record in military and high-tech sectors at the helm of a company central to the world’s most critical industries.

Cannon takes over from Vincent Buffa, who steered Micross through a period of explosive growth and will now transition to a Senior Executive Advisor role while retaining his seat on the Board of Directors, ensuring a seamless leadership handover. Micross, a portfolio company of private equity firm Behrman Capital, is a key global supplier of high-reliability microelectronic products for the aerospace, defense, space, medical, and industrial sectors.

The leadership change comes as Micross aims to capitalize on its dominant position in markets where failure is not an option. "We are pleased to welcome Jim Cannon as CEO of Micross," said Simon Lonergan, Managing Partner at Behrman Capital. "Jim brings deep operational expertise, a strong track record in leading and growing complex global industrial organizations, and significant experience in defense and high-reliability technology markets. His proven leadership will be invaluable as Micross continues to scale, deliver value to customers, and execute against its strategic priorities."

A Leader Forged in Defense and Industry

James Cannon's extensive resume reads like a strategic roadmap for a company like Micross. With over 25 years of leadership experience, he is uniquely positioned to understand the needs of Micross's core customer base. A distinguished U.S. Army veteran, Cannon served for ten years as an infantryman and armor officer, with deployments during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. This firsthand experience in mission-critical environments provides an invaluable perspective on the demand for absolute reliability in military hardware.

His corporate career is equally impressive. Most recently, Cannon was President and CEO of AM General, the manufacturer of the iconic HUMVEE. There, he focused on modernizing the company's tactical vehicle platforms, integrating advanced technologies like vehicle electrification and autonomous systems to meet the evolving needs of the U.S. Department of Defense.

Prior to that, he served as CEO of FLIR Systems, a leader in thermal imaging, sensors, and unmanned systems. During his tenure, he guided the company through a significant strategic transformation that culminated in its successful acquisition by Teledyne Technologies. His career also includes senior leadership roles at Stanley Black & Decker and Eaton Corporation, rounding out a deep expertise in global industrial operations and security markets.

"I am honored to join Micross and excited to lead the Company into its next stage of growth," said Jim Cannon in a statement. "The Company's differentiated position in high-reliability microelectronics, world-class team, and focus on innovation and operational excellence create tremendous opportunity."

The Private Equity Playbook in Action

Cannon's appointment is the latest chapter in a well-defined growth strategy orchestrated by Behrman Capital since it acquired Micross in 2018. Under the leadership of the departing CEO, Vincent Buffa, Micross executed a highly successful "buy and build" strategy, growing its revenue more than tenfold through both organic growth and a string of strategic acquisitions.

This aggressive expansion has seen Micross absorb numerous specialized firms, methodically broadening its capabilities and market reach. The M&A spree included:

  • The 2020 merger with Corfin Industries to create a powerhouse in high-reliability electronics services.
  • The 2021 acquisition of Semi Dice, which expanded its geographic footprint and deepened its presence in the medical device market.
  • The 2022 purchase of Semtech Corporation's high-reliability discrete diodes business, bolstering its offerings for military and space applications.
  • The 2023 acquisition of KCB Solutions, adding RF and microwave products for space and defense.
  • The 2025 acquisition of Integra Technologies, significantly enhancing its semiconductor assembly, packaging, and test capabilities in the U.S.

This aggressive roll-up strategy was further enabled in 2022 when Behrman Capital established a $500 million continuation fund, providing Micross with significant capital to fuel both M&A and organic growth initiatives. The appointment of a leader like Cannon, with his experience in strategic transformations and large-scale operations, is a clear indicator that Behrman Capital is preparing Micross for its next major leap in scale and market influence.

Lonergan also expressed gratitude for the outgoing CEO's contributions, stating, "I'd also like to thank Vincent Buffa for his leadership and contributions to Micross's growth. Vince has been a longtime partner to Behrman, and we are glad he will continue to support Micross in an advisory role."

Powering the Next Generation of Critical Technology

Micross operates at the heart of several booming, technology-driven markets. The global demand for semiconductors in the military and aerospace sectors is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%, reaching nearly $18 billion by 2035. This surge is fueled by the modernization of defense platforms, the rise of autonomous combat systems, and the expansion of satellite intelligence.

Simultaneously, the medical microelectronics market is on a similar trajectory, expected to exceed $70 billion by 2033. This growth is driven by the proliferation of minimally invasive surgical tools, advanced diagnostic equipment, and the burgeoning market for wearable health monitoring devices. In all these applications—from a fighter jet's avionics to a deep-space probe's processor to an implantable pacemaker—the microelectronics provided by Micross must perform flawlessly under extreme conditions.

Cannon's background provides direct synergistic advantages. His time at AM General offers deep insight into the ruggedized electronic components required for modern ground combat vehicles. His leadership at FLIR, a company built on advanced sensors and unmanned systems, gives him a unique understanding of the miniaturized, high-performance processors and communication chips needed for next-generation intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms. This intimate knowledge of the end-user systems is expected to directly inform and accelerate Micross's product development and innovation strategy, ensuring its components are precisely tailored to the evolving demands of its most important customers.

Theme: Geopolitics & Trade
Metric: Financial Performance
Product: Hardware & Semiconductors
Event: Acquisition
Sector: Semiconductors Private Equity
UAID: 21343