58-year-old Harrer takes over the role from Dr Berthold Schmidt, who has been managing the business in Ulm on an interim basis in addition to his duties as a member of the management board of Trumpf and as CTO. Harrer began his career at Trumpf in 1999 as an advisor to the group managing director for research and development. After earning his doctorate in electrical engineering, he held various management positions within the group. He is currently responsible for the optical systems business field and the Laser Application Center within the laser technology division.

“I am very pleased that we were able to win Thomas Harrer for the management. He brings with him a high level of technological expertise and has a very good network in the industry and within the group,” said Trumpf CTO Berthold Schmidt.

In his new role, Dr Harrer will continue to expand the VCSEL and photonics business and the technological know-how of the subsidiary.

Trumpf Photonic Components has been part of the group since 2019 and is a leading global supplier of VCSEL and photodiode solutions for consumer electronics, data communications, automotive, industrial sensors, and heating systems. Approximately 300 people are employed worldwide at the headquarters in Ulm and at the locations in Aachen, the Netherlands, China, Korea, Taiwan, and the USA.