OSI Systems Inc. has named a new chief executive.

The Hawthorne electronic components manufacturer said on Dec. 5 that Ajay Mehra, the president of OSI’s security division, had been appointed to the top position following a search process by the board of directors. He takes over effective Jan. 1 and replaces Deepak Chopra, who will become executive chairman of the board.

Mehra, who also serves as executive vice president, thanked Chopra for his leadership as founder and chief executive of OSI and said that he was excited to take on the CEO role at the company.

“Having been part of this company’s journey, I have seen the potential in each of our operating divisions and the talented individuals who have been key to our success,” Mehra said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing OSI’s mission.”

Chopra said in May that he would be retiring as chief executive of the company he started back in 1987.

Mehra’s extensive knowledge of OSI’s business and his industry expertise make him the perfect successor, Chopra said.

“During his tenure, Ajay has led our security division through significant growth, adoption of new business models, timely and targeted investment in emerging technologies, geographic expansion, acquisitions, and multiple business cycles,” Chopra added in a statement. “I look forward to working closely with Ajay in my position as executive chairman to support OSI’s mission and foster continued growth and innovation.”

Mehra joined OSI in 1989 as a controller and served as chief financial officer while overseeing the company’s initial public offering and the launch of OSI’s security division. As head of that division, Mehra led it to become “a pioneer in meeting the evolving global security inspection needs by providing innovative offerings with leading technology, comprehensive services, and tailored customer solutions,” according to a release from OSI.