Crane joined Friedheim as sales director three years ago, having returned from working overseas in Australia.
Prior to that he worked in the UK printing industry for more than 25 years.
He became deputy managing director earlier this year.
Crane’s new role sees Mark Bristow become chairman of the company.
Bristow has been managing director at the firm for a decade, and originally joined the then-Oscar Friedheim in 1987.
The Hemel Hempstead-based finishing and converting equipment specialist celebrates 140 years in business this year.
It supplies and services equipment from a wide range of manufacturers including Hunkeler, Kama, Blumer, Palamides and Wohlenberg.
GUK folding machines were added to its offering earlier this year.
