Dr. Valentin P. Gapontsev, born in 1939 in Russia, is the co-founder of IPG Photonics, a leader in high-performance fiber lasers. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics, specializing in optics, and has been influential in making significant advancements in laser...
Dr. Valentin P. Gapontsev, born in 1939 in Russia, is the co-founder of IPG Photonics, a leader in high-performance fiber lasers. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics, specializing in optics, and has been influential in making significant advancements in laser technology. Under his guidance, the company has achieved impressive growth and maintains a strong market presence. In 2021, Dr. Gapontsev transitioned to the role of Executive Chair, passing the CEO responsibilities to Dr. Eugene Scherbakov. Tragically, he passed away in October 2021 but left a lasting legacy. His compensation reflected a unique approach, as he did not take stock options, focusing instead on his substantial ownership stake in the company, which illustrates his deep commitment to its success. At one point, he owned 44.6% of IPG's shares. The focus of his leadership was on long-term performance rather than short-term gains, and he utilized a pay-for-performance model that aligned executives' interests with those of shareholders. Dr. Gapontsev's life journey and work have set a standard in both the optics field and corporate leadership that continues to inspire people today.