Leica's CEO removed from power

Without any definitive rhyme nor reason, it appears that Leica's CEO, Steven K. Lee, has been "removed from power by the company's supervisory board." Reportedly, Mr. Lee has been replaced by the firm's owner and board chairman Andreas Kaufman, who will run the company jointly with board financial controller and treasurer, Andreas Lobejäger, until later this month. Interestingly, we're not told who will pick up the reins permanently after that -- nor exactly why the decision was made -- but we suppose it's only a matter of hours before we find out.

[Via 1001 Noisy Cameras]

[Y3k-Bug @ Feb 23rd 2008 3:25PM]

Wow, thats a shock.

[Liam @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:20PM]

Woah, you'd actually heard of this guy before reading this article? Kudos. I think.

[CUBSWILLWIN @ Feb 23rd 2008 3:26PM]

Why? How about telling us why he's been removed from power

NOTE: that's directed at the company not engadget

[jgullam @ Feb 23rd 2008 4:11PM]

Obviously it's because his name is not Andreas

[CUBSWILLWIN @ Feb 23rd 2008 4:42PM]

that makes sense. Ha ha

[Sauerkraut @ Feb 23rd 2008 3:54PM]

I thought this was a German company -_-

[N30 G30 @ Feb 23rd 2008 4:11PM]

Yes, yes there are Asians in Germany.

[Sauerkraut @ Feb 23rd 2008 4:14PM]

yea not to many, their new CEO is jewish also how ironic lol

[Liam @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:19PM]

OMG, how controversial of you, Sauerkraut! Also, your grasp of the concepts of irony and humour are just second to none!

[Sauerkraut @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:22PM]

why controversial ?

[Alex @ Feb 23rd 2008 4:07PM]

They are.
Why? Perhaps the company's flailing camera division? That would be my best guess...

[Shadyman @ Feb 23rd 2008 4:58PM]

he's been "removed from power"

What, so they took out his batteries? ;)

[Robert @ Feb 23rd 2008 6:14PM]

It is interesting that he did not "Resign to pursue other opportunities" . Something else is up here.

[Koray @ Feb 23rd 2008 7:07PM]

Yesterday's news...

He was removed because he spilled the beans out regarding full-frame sensor upgrade to Leica M8... Over-excited sucker. :-)

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Leica_Camera_sacks_CEO_Steven_K_Lee_news_182225.html

http://www.electronista.com/articles/08/02/22/leica.ousts.ceo.steven.lee/

K.

[whatsdamattau @ Feb 23rd 2008 7:56PM]

Sucks to be him. The full sensor Leica M8 will most likely cost close to $8000 US knowing how much Leicas cost. Most likely they'll make sure that blacks are black and not purple color.

[Anonymous @ Feb 24th 2008 5:32PM]

This guy used to be the Exec VP at Best Buy for their in-house branding. He created their vpr Matrix line of computers (www.vprmatrix.com), and made the connections in China that enabled BBY to create their Insignia, Dynex, and other house brands. Nice guy, but a bit tough to work for (...er, or so I've heard).

[phanbouy @ Feb 24th 2008 6:22PM]

Dude my landlord has the exact same name! Ok, it's with "ph" and not "v". They look kinda the same too. I need to get out more.

[CaliforniaKid @ Feb 24th 2008 11:16PM]

Leica or not, you're FIRED! (get it?)