Laser Photonics Founder Dmitri Nikitin Takes Over as CEO-Level Principal Executive Officer

Recently, North American laser cleaning major manufacturer Laser Photonics Corporation announced the appointment of company founder Dmitri Nikitin as Executive Chairman of the Board and principal executive officer at the chief executive level, assuming full responsibility for the duties typically performed by the CEO. Laser Photonics Corporation also appointed Tim Peterman as Chief Financial Officer.

The appointments follow Wayne Tupuola's resignation as CEO for health reasons, effective October 13. The company currently has no plans to appoint a separate independent CEO. Ann Tewari's term as interim president also ended on October 13, and she has returned to her previous role as Vice President of Global Operations and Strategy.

Nikitin has more than 35 years of experience in laser technology innovation, having worked at a precision technology research institute in the former Soviet Union and at IPG Photonics. He graduated from Moscow Power Engineering Institute with a degree in industrial electronics and quantum mechanics engineering, and was awarded a doctorate by the Soviet Ministry of Electronics Industry. His expertise spans the development of laser platforms for applications including marking, cutting, welding and semiconductor processing. Nikitin is understood to have co-developed IPG Photonics' first high-power fiber laser cutting system, and to have developed a mobile fiber laser platform for military demining applications.

Nikitin said he sees an opportunity to apply his laser technology experience to two major challenges. The first is countering emerging drone threats with affordable, easily deployable directed-energy laser systems; the second is leveraging existing industrial laser platforms to modernize and upgrade industrial manufacturing capabilities.

Nikitin made clear that his priorities will focus on advancing the company's Laser Shield counter-UAS platform, strengthening engineering and R&D capabilities, and integrating previously acquired projects and product lines.