German tapped to lead Japan's medical company Olympus as CEO
Japanese medical equipment maker Olympus has tapped Stefan Kaufmann, a German who has worked for two decades at the manufacturer, to be its chief executive
TOKYO (AP) — Japanese medical equipment maker Olympus said Friday it has named as its next chief executive Stefan Kaufmann, a German who has worked for two decades at the manufacturer once known for old-style photographic cameras.
Kaufmann's appointment will take effect in April, pending board approval, said Tokyo-based Olympus Corp. It said Kaufmann will lead Olympus’ expansion in the med-tech field, ensuring the company adapts to clinical needs and requirements.
Founded in 1919, last year Olympus handed over its traditional camera-making business to Japan Industrial Partners, an investment firm. It now focuses on medical technology such as endoscopes, tubes with tiny cameras that doctors use to see inside the human body.
The company said Yasuo Takeuchi, its current chief executive, will become its chairman.
