Photo: Oliver Vogler
Leica Camera AG announced a major leadership change, appointing Andreas Voll as its new CEO effective April 1, 2026. The 44-year-old executive succeeds Matthias Harsch, who has held the position since 2017.
Voll brings extensive experience in luxury goods and strategic management. He spent 15 years at IWC Schaffhausen, a Swiss luxury watchmaker, where he rose to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Prior to that, his career began in corporate consulting at Roland Berger. In 2023, he briefly served as CEO of the Fischer Group, a global company specializing in fastening technology.
According to Leica’s majority owner and Supervisory Board Chairman, Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Voll was selected for his international management expertise, particularly in premium technology, brand management, and corporate development. Voll himself expressed enthusiasm, stating it’s a “great honor” to lead the iconic company. His priorities include expanding digital and networked imaging solutions, enhancing the premium product lineup, and strengthening global sales and retail networks.
Here is a recap of the new CEO of Leica Camera AG, Andreas Voll, and what his appointment means:
Leadership change at Leica
- Andreas Voll will become CEO on April 1, 2026.
- He replaces Matthias Harsch, who led Leica since 2017.
- Under Harsch, Leica reached record revenues and strengthened its premium brand positioning in photography and optics.
Who Andreas Voll is
- Background: experienced manager in the luxury goods and technology industries.
- Previous roles:
- COO at Swiss luxury watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen.
- CEO of the industrial company Fischer Group since 2023.
- Earlier career at consulting firm Roland Berger.
3. Why Leica chose him
According to the company and its chairman, Andreas Kaufmann, Voll was selected for:
- Luxury-brand management experience
- Technology and digital transformation expertise
- Ability to expand the company internationally.
Leica explicitly said the appointment reflects a “rejuvenation” strategy for leadership.
4. Strategic priorities under Voll
Early indications suggest he will focus on:
- Digital expansion: strengthening Leica’s tech ecosystem (e.g., smartphones and imaging tech).
- Retail growth: more global Leica stores, including potential openings in the U.S. (Chicago, Houston) and Europe.
- Maintaining premium positioning
- Continuing Leica’s strategy of high-end cameras and luxury branding.
Update – we now have the official press release:
Andreas Voll Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Leica Camera AG Effective April 1, 2026
WETZLAR, Germany, March 16, 2026 – The Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG has appointed Andreas Voll as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, effective April 1, 2026. He succeeds Matthias Harsch, who has successfully led the company since 2017.
The Supervisory Board, chaired by Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, expressed its sincere appreciation for the achievements of Matthias Harsch, under whose leadership Leica further strengthened its position as a global premium brand in photography and optics while successfully expanding into new business areas.
With the appointment of Andreas Voll, Leica is placing its trust in a proven leader with extensive international management experience and recognized expertise in premium technology, brand management, and strategic corporate development.
“With Andreas Voll, we are gaining a leader who combines entrepreneurial vision, technological expertise, and a deep understanding of luxury and premium brands. He will continue Leica’s successful development while also providing new momentum for innovation and growth,” said Dr. Andreas Kaufmann.
Most recently, Andreas Voll served as CEO of the Fischer Group in Waldachtal, Germany. Prior to that, he held various leadership positions at the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen, a company of the Richemont Group, most recently as Chief Operating Officer. He began his professional career in management consulting at Roland Berger.
Andreas Voll announced his intention to lead the historic Leica brand — which celebrated “Century” in 2025, marking 100 years of camera production — into a new phase defined equally by technological excellence and the preservation of its unique brand identity.
“Leica stands like hardly any other company for precision, craftsmanship, design, and photographic culture. It is a great honor for me to assume responsibility for this exceptional company. Together with the team, I will strengthen our innovative power, advance digital transformation, and further expand our international presence,” said Andreas Voll.
The strategic priorities of his tenure will include:
- Expansion of digital and connected imaging solutions
- Further development of the premium product portfolio
- Strengthening global sales and retail structures
- Intensifying partnerships in the fields of mobile imaging and optics
- Sustainable corporate governance and responsible manufacturing
Leica emphasized that the unique combination of German engineering excellence, traditional manufacturing in Wetzlar, and a globally engaged community united by a shared passion for photography will remain at the heart of the company’s strategy.
“Our products are more than tools — they are cultural objects and an expression of a distinctive photographic mindset. This DNA will remain unchanged under the new leadership,” Dr. Andreas Kaufmann added.
Until Andreas Voll assumes office on April 1, 2026, Matthias Harsch will continue to manage the company’s operations and ensure an orderly transition. He will also remain associated with the company in an advisory capacity for selected projects.
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