Jay Kumler was president of Jenoptik North America, Inc. and Jenoptik Optical Systems, LLC, for many years. A member of the Jenoptik executive management committee, he consulted on and actively shaped the development of the German company’s photonics-based business in the US.

“We extend our sincere condolences to Jay’s family, friends, and to everyone Jay has touched through his work which has left a lasting impression on so many. He will greatly be missed,” said Dr Stefan Traeger, president and CEO of Jenoptik AG. “Not only did Jay have a huge impact on our company, but he was also a distinguished scholar, a passionate entrepreneur, and an inspiring mentor to many startups and new talents in the entire photonics industry.”

Jay earned a BSc in physics from Miami University and an MSc in optics from the University of Rochester. He designed optical systems for United Technologies and Bell Laboratories prior to founding Coastal Optical Systems in 1991, which he led for ten years before the company was acquired by Jenoptik. With nearly forty years of experience in optics and photonics, Jay has published twenty technical papers, book chapters and patents.

Jay regularly spoke on photonics and was passionate about advancing the industry. He was an SPIE Fellow, served on the SPIE board of directors and was founding sponsor for the SPIE Startup Challenge, which is held during the Photonics West trade fair every year. He also served on the advisory board of the Luminate Accelerator and mentored startup companies amongst the several other organizations he was a part of.

Jay Kumler’s successor as president and member of managing boards will be announced shortly.