Optimax Names Joseph Spilman CEO

Global optics manufacturer and solutions provider Optimax has named Joseph Spilman CEO. Spilman will take over from outgoing CEO Rick Plympton, who is retiring.

In a corresponding move, the company named Peter Kupinski president, taking over from Spilman

Joe Spilman. Courtesy of Optimax.

Spilman has worked in the optics and photonics industry for 20 years. His previous roles include director of sales and marketing at Optimax, serving on the executive team at ArmorLine Corp., and roles supporting NIR and IR laser optics applications for II-VI Inc. (Coherent). Spilman was appointed to serve on Photonics Spectra’s Editorial Advisory Board this year.

Peter Kupinski. Courtesy of Optimax.

Kupinski has served as Optimax’s COO and director of engineering. He has worked with Optimax for 13 years, with previous positions with Sony, Kodak, and the Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester.

According to the company, Spilman and Kupinski will split duties — with Spilman focusing on market strategy and Kupinski on operations.

Plympton, as well as company founder Mike Mandina, who retired in 2021, will assume the title of corporate fellow.