Jena, March 26, 2026. The Jena-based technology group Jenoptik has appointed a new Chairman of the Executive Board. Physicist and manager Dr. Dominic Dorfner will take over the leadership of the company starting in autumn, succeeding Stefan Traeger.
- Who: Dr. Dominic Dorfner (currently CEO at Semikron Danfoss)
- What: Taking over the chairmanship of the Executive Board of Jenoptik AG
- When: Taking office in October 2026
- Predecessor: Stefan Traeger (left the company on February 15, 2026)
Hope for new growth
After Stefan Traeger unexpectedly left the photonics group in mid-February, the Supervisory Board has now promptly presented a succession solution. Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board Daniela Mattheus praised Dorfner as an internationally experienced manager with strong technological expertise. He is expected to bring strategic clarity to the company and strengthen its market position. Most recently, Jenoptik had been struggling with declines in revenue, which were attributed, among other things, to the globally tense economic situation.
From physicist to group CEO
Born in 1980, Dominic Dorfner brings extensive experience from the technology and business sectors. After studying physics at the Technische Universität München and the University of Illinois in the USA, he earned his doctorate in the field of photonic biosensing. His professional career initially led him to the management consultancy Roland Berger. He currently heads the Nuremberg-based manufacturer of power electronics Semikron Danfoss.
Ongoing major projects in Dresden
Dorfner’s term of office will include the ramp-up of the recently completed micro-optics factory in Dresden. This facility is considered the company’s largest single investment in the post-reunification era and was realized under the direction of his predecessor Traeger. Jenoptik produces optical measurement technology for the semiconductor industry there, but also manufactures lasers, camera systems, and mobile speed measurement systems for road traffic within the overall group.
Economic engine of the City of Light
Jenoptik AG is closely interwoven with the industrial history of Jena. The company emerged directly from the former GDR combine VEB Carl Zeiss Jena after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Today, the listed photonics group is one of the most important employers and innovation drivers in the region. With its specialization in high-precision optics, sensor technology, and semiconductor equipment, Jenoptik continues the long-standing history of the “City of Light” Jena on global markets.
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New CEO for Jenoptik
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.