Valentin Gapontsev, founder of IPG Photonics, has passed away
Fiber laser maker IPG Photonics (Oxford, MA) has announced the passing of beloved founder, chairman, and former CEO Dr. Valentin P. Gapontsev.
Gapontsev, 82, founded the company’s predecessor in 1990. He has been IPG’s Chairman since the company’s founding and its CEO until April 2021. His scientific innovations and business vision led to the creation of a vertically integrated business employing over 6000 people worldwide. Dr. Gapontsev is the named inventor on over 100 patents and author of over 200 scientific papers. In 2006, he was awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Industrial Products and Services in New England and in 2009, he was awarded the Arthur L. Schawlow Award by the Laser Institute of America. In 2011, he received the Russian Federation National Award in Science and Technology, and he was selected as a Fellow of the Optical Society of America (OSA; now Optica). In 2010, SPIE listed Dr. Gapontsev as one of 28 “Laser Luminaries” who made substantial contributions to lasers during the 50 years since lasers were invented.
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Valentin Gapontsev. He fundamentally changed the laser industry through his bold vision and extraordinary talent,” said Scott Keeney, CEO of nLight.
LFW Staff
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