Welcome by Dr. Andreas Kaufmann ENGLISH

Welcome

Andreas Kaufmann is the majority shareholder of Leica Camera AG. Under his leadership, Leica Camera AG has returned to the path of success; with the expansion of the Leitz site, a new state-of-the-art centre for the optical industry is emerging in Wetzlar.

An article in *Die Zeit* from 2017 states:

‘In 2004, when Mr Kaufmann joined Leica as a co-owner, the company’s history was drawing to a close. The management at the time regarded digital photography as a passing fad that would never reach the analogue luxury segment,’ but ‘under Kaufmann’s leadership, Leica nevertheless successfully made the transition to the digital age. At the same time, he set clear guidelines for his development department and focused on specific target groups: ‘You need a good reason to spend €20,000 on a camera.’ At Leica, technology alone does not justify such a price, Kaufmann acknowledges. You’re paying for the brand. Ultimately, that’s why everything works out for Kaufmann, because he doesn’t think like just any manager. He’s a true enthusiast.”

He will share this enthusiasm with participants during his welcome address.