Jena, June 10, 2026 – Leadership change at one of the region’s most important companies: Dr. Dominic Dorfner will become the new Chairman of the Executive Board of JENOPTIK AG on August 1, 2026. The Supervisory Board had already unanimously appointed the physicist to the position at the end of March.
- Who: Dr. Dominic Dorfner (new CEO), Dr. Prisca Havranek-Kosicek (CFO), Dr. Ralf Kuschnereit
- What: Assumption of office as the new Chairman of the Executive Board
- When: From August 1, 2026 (presentation took place on June 8, 2026)
- Where: JENOPTIK AG, Jena
Significance of the Change for the Jena-based Global Player
For the Jena-based photonics group Jenoptik, the assumption of office by Dr. Dominic Dorfner in late summer marks a significant milestone. As a globally active heavyweight of the Thuringian economy and a central player in the optical center of Jena, the leadership of the listed company has a far-reaching impact on the entire business and science location. Dorfner’s appointment by the Supervisory Board is initially limited to three years. Last Monday, the future group CEO introduced himself to shareholders and the workforce during the Annual General Meeting in Jena.
Scientific and Professional Background
With Dr. Dominic Dorfner, born in 1980, a proven expert in physics takes over the helm of the group. Dorfner completed his studies in physics in München as well as at the renowned University of Illinois in the USA. He subsequently earned his doctorate in the promising field of photonic biosensing, bringing a deep scientific understanding of Jenoptik’s core competencies. After initial professional positions in strategy consulting, he moved into industry. Most recently, he served as President & CEO at Semikron Danfoss, a leading specialist in power electronics with over 4,000 employees.
The Future Executive Board Structure of JENOPTIK AG
Starting in August, the Thuringian technology group will be led by a three-member management team. Dr. Dominic Dorfner will take on the role of Chairman of the Executive Board (CEO). At his side are Chief Financial Officer Dr. Prisca Havranek-Kosicek and Executive Board member Dr. Ralf Kuschnereit, who is responsible for operations. Together, this trio is intended to further drive the growth course of the photonics specialist.
🏛️ History & Significance: The Economic Pillar Jenoptik
JENOPTIK AG grew directly out of the traditional VEB Carl Zeiss Jena and was re-founded in 1991 in the course of German reunification. Today, the company is a leading international technology group in the field of photonics. With its optical and digital systems, Jenoptik serves markets such as semiconductor equipment, the automotive and aerospace industries, and medical technology. As one of Jena’s largest employers, the company not only shapes the cityscape around the historic Zeiss plant but is also a central driver for research collaborations with the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität and local institutes.
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New Jenoptik Executive Board starts in August
Transparency Note: This article was automatically generated, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.