This year, Leica’s presence at Photokina (20-25 September 2016) focuses primarily on professional photography and the corresponding requirements of professional users. The company’s stand at the Cologne-based show demonstrates Leica’s emphasis on the newly-implemented Professional Business Unit, which has been designed to expand and combine integrated product solutions, and innovative applications for professional photography and video production.
From 1 September, Stephan Schulz (55), who has been with Leica Camera AG since 2007, assumed the function of Global Director Business Unit Professional and is now responsible for the activities of this new category. In his previous role as head of product management for Professional Camera Systems, he supervised the development and market launch of the innovative Leica S-System, and the successful launch of the mirrorless Leica SL-System in October 2015. Stephan Schulz possesses extensive knowledge of the global camera market and many years of experience gathered in the marketing and sales divisions of international players in the electronics and imaging industries.
The Professional Business Unit combines marketing and sales activities in the B2B sector. This includes the Leica S medium format system, the mirrorless Leica SL-System and the entire product portfolio of the Leica Camera AG subsidiary, Sinar Photography. Sinar Photography AG is the leading manufacturer of view cameras and offers complete digital solutions comprising cameras, lenses, digital backs and shutter systems to professional workflow software.
In addition to this, the newly created business unit will also strengthen the strategic collaboration with Leica affiliate, CW Sonderoptic, which manufactures superior quality cine lenses for film and TV production that are marketed under the Leica brand name, and have already won numerous international awards.
Oliver Kaltner, CEO, Leica Camera AG, said: “As an innovative provider of premium professional camera products and a future-oriented services portfolio, Leica Camera AG will be taking advantage of its newly created Professional Business Unit for further expansion in the strategically important B2B sector and the intensification of worldwide collaboration with professional photographers and users. I am very pleased that we have an experienced manager and imaging expert of the calibre of Stephan Schultz on board for the newly created business unit, a man whose dedication and commitment will be a powerful motor for the expansion of our business and our worldwide network of professional partners.”
This new Leica concept will build on the company’s serious focus on innovative, professional product solutions with the addition of a range of new and extended services. These include the ongoing expansion of the Leica Professional Service portfolio with the introduction of further exclusive services, such as an even faster worldwide repair and replacement service, optimisation of the company’s 24-hour service hotline, and expansion of the specialised service and repair team.
Financial Services in the form of a range of attractive, made-to-measure financing and trade-in models will complete the spectrum of services offered, and will make it easier for professional photographers and newcomers to the profession to be introduced to the high quality and enduring value of Leica camera systems.
Furthermore, the multi-award-winning S Magazine will provide an international platform for talented young photographers and established professionals to showcase their work. Every issue includes powerful photography and demonstrates unusual facets of the art, with acclaimed photographers such as Bruce Gilden, Enrique Badulescu, Rankin, and Ellen von Unwerth in the latest issue, presenting their outstanding work shot on the Leica S-System to an international audience.
