Ronald Marcel Peters will start in his new role on 01 April, after Andreas Lobejäger, who has been chief financial officer since September 2007 decided to leave the company "at his own request on 31 March," says Leica.

In a statement, Dr Andreas Kaufmann, chairman of the supervisory board, says: "Mr Lobejäger took on the responsibilities of CFO in a difficult period for our company. He played a crucial role in the restructuring and turnaround of the company, and his contribution was instrumental in enabling Leica Camera AG to achieve profitability and record revenues in 2011."

Peters comes from Leica Microsystems GmbH, a manufacturer of microscopes and scientific instruments, where he also served as CFO. Peters has also worked for Hach Lange Europe.

"With the appointment of Mr Ronald Marcel Peters, the Executive Board has now gained an experienced financial expert as a new colleague who has been familiar for many years with the needs of the optical industry and with the city of Wetzlar, the location of our future company headquarters," says Alfred Schopf, chairman of the Executive Board at Leica Camera AG.