IPG Strengthens Sales Force With Three Experienced Sales Professionals
Company Gains Depth in Merchant Diode, Government Sales and Fiber Lasers
Oxford, MA — IPG Photonics Corporation, the global leader in high-performance fiber lasers for diverse applications, recently announced that it has strengthened its capabilities in the areas of merchant diode sales, sales to the government, and low- and mid-power fiber laser sales with the appointments of Jim Stathis as Director of Diode Sales, Mike O'Connor as Director of Government and Special Applications, and Milton Vardakis as Business Development Manager for Materials Processing.
"Jim Stathis brings with him a breadth of knowledge from his more than 15 years of experience selling diodes and low-power lasers," said Bill Shiner, IPG Photonics' Vice President-Industrial Markets. "Jim has a strong understanding of customer needs and the unique properties of IPG's diodes, which we are now selling into the merchant market."
Prior to joining IPG, Stathis developed new OEM business opportunities for commercial lasers in the solar, semiconductor, life and health sciences, and fiber laser material processing markets. His technical business background, particularly in diode-based and fiber laser-based products, enhances IPG's ability to provide OEMs with application solutions, solve their supply chain issues and develop long-term strategic client partnerships. He has extensive experience with diode products, fiber lasers and other CW lasers. Stathis previously worked for JDS Uniphase, Coherent Inc. and Newport Corporation.
"IPG is gaining traction in the government laser market and is committed to building our business in that area," said Dr. Denis Gapontsev, Vice President of Research and Development. "Mike O'Connor's extensive experience and track record of success will help accelerate IPG's growth in this dynamic area."
O'Connor was previously employed as a director of government sales at a specialty maker of optical fibers, where he was responsible for sales of specialty optical fibers for low-power fiber lasers and amplifiers.
"Milt Vardakis brings to IPG extensive business management, technical problem solving and strategic partnering expertise from a wide variety of high technology OEM markets," said Bill Shiner. "His experience in life sciences, semiconductor, medical, lasers, imaging, sensing, aerospace, materials, component fabrication and instrumentation systems will be an asset to our customers."
Prior to joining IPG, Vardakis provided profitable sales management and business development results at a Tier-1 manufacturer of industrial-based lasers and diodes. He was also founder and president of an engineering-based sales, distribution and consulting company providing custom component and systems solutions for electro-optical, semiconductor, life sciences, medical, mil-aero and energy OEM applications.
Customer Inquiries
Jim Stathis (jstathis@ipgphotonics.com) can be reached at (949) 244-2907, Mike O'Connor (moconnor@ipgphotonics.com) can be reached at (508) 373-1217, and Milton Vardakis (mvardakis@ipgphotonics.com) can be reached at (408) 887-7366.
About IPG Photonics Corporation
IPG Photonics is the world leader in high-power fiber lasers and amplifiers. Founded in 1990, IPG pioneered the development and commercialization of optical fiber-based lasers for use in a wide range of markets such as materials processing, advanced applications, telecommunications and medical applications. Fiber lasers have revolutionized the industry by delivering superior performance, reliability and usability at a lower total cost of ownership compared with conventional lasers, allowing end users to increase productivity and decrease operating costs. IPG has its headquarters in Oxford, Massachusetts, and has additional plants and offices throughout the world.
SOURCE: IPG Photonics Corporation