Jay Kumler, Photonics Luminary and Jenoptik North America President, Dies at 61
JUPITER, Fla., Feb. 18, 2025 — Photonics industry expert Jay Kumler, who served as president of JENOPTIK North America, Inc. as well as JENOPTIK Optical Systems, LLC, has died. Kumler was additionally part of the Jenoptik Executive Management Committee, and consulted on and actively shaped the development of Jenoptik’s photonics-based business in the U.S., the company said.
Jenoptik shared the news on Feb. 17. Kumler was 61.
“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 Stefan Traeger, president & 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.”
Kumler earned a B.S. Physics from Miami University and an M.S. in Optics from the University of Rochester. Prior to founding Coastal Optical Systems in 1991, he designed optical systems for United Technologies and Bell Laboratories. Kumler led Coastal Optical Systems for 10 years before the company was acquired by Jenoptik in 2002.
During his 40-year career, he published 20 technical papers, book chapters and patents.
Jay Kumler. Courtesy of Jenoptik AG
Kumler also regularly spoke on photonics and worked toward advancing the industry. He was an SPIE Fellow, served on the SPIE board of directors, and was founding sponsor for the SPIE Startup Challenge, held annually during Photonics West. He also served on the advisory board of the Luminate Accelerator and mentored numerous startup companies.
Jenoptik said that Kumler’s successor as president and member of managing boards has been elected, and that an announcement will be made shortly.
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