Thomas Kessler will become CEO of Jos. Schneider Optische Werke GmbH on January 1. His initial responsibilities include development, sales and risk management for the lens manufacturer. Wolfgang Selzer, co-CEO in charge of production, administration and supply chain management, is retiring March 31. Selzer will support the company for six months in an advisory role, and Kessler will assume the position of sole CEO in April. "We are delighted to have Dr. Kessler on board," said Walther Neussel, chairman of the company's advisory board. "As a recognized expert in the field of optical technology, he will help to strengthen our position in the future in the area of industrial solutions, entertainment imaging and photography." Kessler worked at Schott AG from 1999 to 2008, most recently as director of product management and sales. In 2009, he moved to Edmund Optics, where he was executive vice president of global sales from 2011 onwards.