Prior to his new role, Schopf had been managing partner of K+H Armaturen Gmbh, a company specialising in the production of stainless steel components and systems. Schopf has also, since 2004, been a member of the advisory board of EOMAX Corporation, Toronto, Canada, a company manufacturing optoelectronic systems.

Between 2001 and 2004 Schopf directed the business of ARRI in Munich, as head of management and CEO. The company deals with the production and distribution of motion picture cameras, lighting systems for film sets and film and TV studios, as well as laser-based digital intermediate systems. Before working for ARRI, he was responsible at Jenoptik AG for inter alia, the Optics, Microoptics, Optoelectronic Systems, Laser Technologies and Image Processing divisions. Jenoptik used to own medium and large format camera maker Sinar.

Since November 2009, Schopf had also been a member of Leica's supervisory board, but he has since resigned from this position to assume his new role at Leica.

To stay up-to-date with all the latest photography news, sign-up for our daily newsletter.