"Mark's new position is part of a long-term plan to continue to position Olympus and its subsidiaries for success, to meet market needs and to best serve our customers through a region-specific management strategy executed around the world," said Tsuyoshi ("Tom") Kikukawa, president of Tokyo-based Olympus Corp. (TSE 7733). "His appointment will also help position the organization to better respond to customer needs, and his knowledge of Japanese culture and of our company makes him the perfect choice for CEO of this new company."
Gumz is the highest-ranking official in the Americas and the first American to be appointed CEO of any Olympus entity. He will retain his positions as president of Olympus America Inc. (OAI), Olympus Canada Inc. (OCI), Olympus Imaging America Inc. (OIMA) and Olympus Medical Equipment Services America Inc. (OMES). He also continues to oversee the operations of Olympus Latin America Inc.
Gumz said, "I look forward to my expanded leadership role with Olympus and am privileged to continue helping grow our businesses in medical devices, minimally invasive surgical products, life science instruments and consumer electronic products, on behalf of our customers, employees and other key stakeholders in what promises to be a new and exciting era for Olympus, both in the Americas and globally."
Gumz first worked for Olympus from 1977-1983 as vice president of Olympus Camera Corp. He was the first American hired for this company and was responsible for establishing the sales, marketing and distribution services of Olympus consumer products in the United States. He then spent 16 years as an entrepreneur and independent global consultant, participating in several start-ups and leading an international trading company while maintaining an ongoing business relationship with Olympus. He returned to Olympus in 2000 as president of Olympus America Inc. and applied his extensive experience in e- business, international trade and new business development, to help shape the company and contribute to its success.
Gumz began his career with the General Electric Company in 1972. He has also held management positions with Marubeni America Corporation and Sankyo Seiki Co. He is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and holds a B.A. in Humanities from Ohio State University.
About Olympus
Olympus is a precision technology leader, creating innovative opto-digital solutions in healthcare, life science and consumer electronics products. Olympus works collaboratively with its customers and its affiliates worldwide to leverage R&D investment in precision technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines. These include:
-- Gastrointestinal endoscopes, accessories, and minimally invasive surgical products; -- Advanced clinical and research microscopes; -- Lab automation systems, chemistry-immuno and blood bank analyzers and reagents; -- Digital cameras and voice recorders.
Olympus serves healthcare and commercial laboratory markets with integrated product solutions and financial, educational and consulting services that help customers to efficiently, reliably and more easily achieve exceptional results. Olympus develops breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality for the consumer and professional photography markets, and also is the leader in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com .
Source: Olympus Corporation
