Leica's Lee Out, Kaufmann to Run Company By
Mike Pasini, The Imaging Resource (Monday, February 25, 2008 - 13:58 EST)Kaufman to "review all options for the M system's future."
Leica Camera AG announced on Friday that it has "removed Steven K. Lee as member and Chairman of the Board of Management of Leica Camera AG with immediate effect."
Owner and Board Chairman Andreas Kaufmann has replaced him, according to the company. He will run the company jointly with Andreas Lobejäger, board financial controller and treasurer, until Feb. 29, 2009.
According to a story published by Amateur Photographer, one of Kaufmann's first tasks will be to "review all options for the M system's future."
Amateur Photographer Editor Damien Demolder has published a commentary on Lee's dismissal, focusing on an interview with Lee at PMA this year in which he "hinted strongly" that the company was planning a full-frame version or upgrade to the M8 rangefinder.
Leica's Lee Out, Kaufmann to Run Company